What is an identification document?

An identification document (ie. piece of identification, ID, identity document) is a government-issued document that includes a person’s photo and personal information about their identity including, full name, age, birth date, address, and identification number, card number, gender, citizenship. The photo and the possession of it are used to connect the person with the document.


Valid identification must:

  • Include your 
  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Photo 
  • Signature
  • Be issued by a federal, provincial, territorial or state government authority, or the international equivalent 


What are the different types of valid ID?

There are several types of valid identity documents that may or may not be accepted, depending on the purpose of the service you are requesting. If you’re unsure of what the organization requires, it’s always best to ask. Please note that organizations usually require the original ID, not a copy.


Below are various types of identification documents: 


  1. Driver’s licence - A driver’s licence is the most common form of ID that is used. Not only does it grant you the ability to drive on Canadian roads, but it also serves as a convenient identification card for age-related activities and purchases.  
  2. Provincial Photo Card - This card is a great substitute for individuals who do not want to get a driver’s licence. This photo card will make it easier for non-drivers to perform everyday transactions such as purchasing alcohol or cashing a cheque.
  3. Provincial Health Card (with photo) - Your provincial health card can be used to access free primary health care (such as the services of physicians and other health professionals) and care in hospitals, which account for the majority of provincial and territorial health expenditures. 
  4. Student Card - Student cards are provided by a high school, university, or college upon registration. However, these cards are not accepted as valid identification since they usually do not have personal information and are not issued by the government. 
  5. Passport - A passport is a travel document issued by a country's government to its citizens that verifies the identity and nationality of the holder, primarily for international travel. It contains all of the bearer’s personal information and is quite expensive to attain which is why it may be risky to carry around everywhere. 
  6. Canadian Citizenship Certificate - The Canadian Citizenship Certificate is a letter-size paper document that lists your Unique Client Identifier, name, certificate number, sex, date of birth, and the effective date of your citizenship. Similar to the Canadian passport, it may be risky to carry this certificate around as your first preference. 
  7. Canadian Permanent Resident Card (with signature) - The Permanent Resident Card is an identification document and a travel document for permanent residents of Canada. This card is granted to individuals who immigrated to Canada but are not yet a citizen. 


Why do I need a certified translation of my identification document?

An identification document serves as a basic proof of identity and is usually required by legal institutions. 


If you were born in a country where English or French is not the official language, you will need to have your identification document translated by a certified translator. You will need a certified translation of your identification document because most institutions that require you to present your identification documents are formal institutions (ex. Government institutions, legal services, educational institutions, etc.). These institutions require the most accurate translation available and the best way to ensure that is to obtain certified translations. 


Langia offers certified translation services of identification documents in 107 languages into English or French. You can upload your identification document by clicking the link below.

 

How can I get my identification document translated?

An identification document is almost always used for legal purposes, which is why it must be translated by a certified translator. A certified translator is a unique and reserved title for individuals who have qualified and registered with the association of translators in their state or province (ex. ATIO, ATIA, STIBC, ATA) and subscribed to the association's code of professional ethics.  

Read our blog to learn more about the different types of certifications available in translation services.

 

On the rare occasion that a certified translator is not available (ie. there are no certified translators for a specific language combination), an affidavit of translation or a notarized translation may be accepted by most institutions. However, make sure to contact the institution to which you will submit the translated documents to ensure your translations will be accepted if they cannot be completed by a certified translator.  


How can I send my identification document to a translator?

An identification document is a vital record that proves your identity and is among the list of documents necessary for a refugee, immigration or citizenship application. If your documents are not in English or French, you will have to produce what is called a certified translation of all of these documents, to provide an English or French version of the documents involved. 


To get your identification document translated into English or French, you can :


  • Send the hard copy of your identification document to a translator or translation agency. However, this option may be risky because the document can end up in the wrong hands or get lost on the way.  
  • Email the translator or the translation agency a scan of the original copy of your document. While this option is safer and much more efficient than sending a hard copy document, it still requires a lot of back and forth between you and the translator, or the agent if working with a translation agency. 
  • Upload your identification document on the Langia app or website. This is the most efficient and secure way to send your documents to a translator. There are no third-party operators that look over your personal documents,and no back and forth emails that could take hours or days to conclude. 


With Langia, all you have to do is:

  1. Upload your identification document and select the source and target languages
  2. Choose the nature of the project and the certification required 
  3. Select when you wish to have the translations completed 


With this information, you will be able to see the cost of the project. All you have to do next is select a translator to complete your request. No unnecessary dialogue, confidentiality or security issues, or unresponsive translators and agencies. 


How much does a certified identification document translation cost?

A certified translation of an identification document can cost anywhere between CAD$125-200 depending on various factors including turnaround time, the rarity of the language, certification, and location.  


Average translation agencies require you to email a scanned copy of your identification document before they can provide a quote. They may even require back and forth communication via email before they accurately determine the exact price. 


Lucky for you, unnecessary communication is in the past with Langia. Now you can instantly upload your identification document on the Langia website or app and select a few essential details about your project (ex. due date, certification, source and target language) to immediately see the price. The best part is that you get to decide the due date and time. So, if you need to have your identification document translated by tomorrow, then that is what you shall have! No more back and forth emails with numerous parties to simply get the price of your identification document. 


With Langia, it takes less time to submit a document for translation than to get a quote from an average translation agency or professional translator. 


Upload your identification document now to instantly get a quote!


Where can I find Identification Document translation services near me?

Almost all translators and translation agencies provide online services. Although a hard copy may be required in rare cases, the interaction between a customer and translator or agency almost always takes place online. The internet brings together customers and translators across the globe and provides a medium in which they can work together despite physical boundaries. 


For example, if you live in Toronto and require an essay to be translated from English to Hindi, you can find hundreds of translators within Canada and thousands across the world. Although it may be compelling to work with a translator who charges thirteen cents per word, it may not always be the smartest option. 


With any translation service provider, quality must always be your top priority. This is especially important if you require certified translations. As a resident of Toronto, you can work with translators certified by other provinces within Canada, such as ATIA (The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta) or STIBC (Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia). Translators living in another county (except the USA), however, are not accepted as certified translators in Canada, meaning the work that they do will also not be accepted as a certified translation.  


Langia provides professional translation services throughout Canada. You can get your identification document translated in Toronto, Ontario without hassle.


If you wish to get your identification document translated by a certified translator in your province, click the link below to upload your document and instantly receive a free quote. Once you enter your document details (ex. source and target language, due date, certification), you can select a certified translator who will have your document ready by the turnaround time.