Translator name and practitioner number
The certification page shows the translator's name and the practitioner number issued by NAATI, so an officer can confirm the translator's certification status directly with NAATI.
The NAATI digital stamp and how to verify your PDF
A NAATI certified translation delivered electronically is a PDF carrying an embedded stamp and electronic signature, together with the translator's name, practitioner number, language direction and certification statement. You can verify it yourself by opening the original file in a PDF reader that supports digital signatures and checking the practitioner number with NAATI. Reviewed July 2026.
What appears on the certification page
Language pair and direction
Certification is tied to a direction, not just a pair. The page states which language the document was translated from and into.
Certification statement and date
A statement confirming the translation is a true and complete rendering of the document sighted by the translator, with the date it was issued.
Digital stamp and electronic signature
The stamp is embedded in the PDF together with an electronic signature, which a compatible PDF reader displays as a signature status bar.
Job reference number
Used to trace the file back to the issuing translator if the receiving body asks, or when you need the same file reissued later.
Verify the file step by step
- 1
Open the original PDF in a reader that supports digital signatures
Open the file you received, not a screenshot or a printed-then-rescanned copy. Converting the file strips the signature data.
- 2
Check the signature status bar
The reader states whether the document is signed and whether it was modified after signing. If it reports a modification, contact the issuer before lodging.
- 3
Check the practitioner number with NAATI
Take the translator name and practitioner number from the certification page and check them against NAATI's practitioner verification service to confirm the certification was current on the issue date.
- 4
Check name spelling against the passport
Even with a valid stamp, a name spelled differently from the passport can trigger a request for clarification. Check before uploading.
Handling the file safely
- Do not compress or merge the PDF with online tools after delivery; this can invalidate the signature.
- If an upload portal enforces a size limit, ask the issuer for a resized file rather than converting it yourself.
- If the receiving body insists on a hard copy with a physical stamp, tell us in advance so we can print and courier it.
- Keep the original file — the same translation is often needed again for a skills assessment or a licensing application.
Frequently asked questions
Is a digital NAATI stamp accepted instead of an ink stamp?
Australian agencies receive documents mainly through online lodgement, so a PDF carrying the certification statement, translator details and digital signature is normally accepted. A printed copy is used when the receiving body specifically asks for paper.
How can I confirm the translator is actually NAATI certified?
Take the translator's name and practitioner number from the certification page and check them with NAATI's practitioner verification service, which shows the certified language directions and current status.
Does the signature survive printing?
No. Printing leaves only the visual stamp; the electronic signature data is not carried onto paper. Send the original PDF when the recipient needs to verify the signature.
The reader says the signature cannot be verified — what now?
This usually means the reader does not support the certificate, or the file was converted or compressed after signing. Open the original file in a compatible reader; if it persists, ask the issuer for a fresh copy.
Does a certified translation expire?
The translation itself carries no expiry, but some agencies limit how old the underlying document may be, for example a police certificate. Check the receiving body's rule on the source document.
Can I get an old file reissued?
Yes. Quote the job reference number or the applicant details and we will locate and resend the file.
Send your documents
Message us with your scans and the receiving body, and we will confirm the format, turnaround and quote in writing before starting.