Turnaround for a certified translation: what fits in 24 hours, and what doesn't
At DocuTrad, a certified translation is delivered within the standard turnaround of 24 to 48 working hours, in digital format. In an emergency, the team confirms the shortest achievable turnaround before you order, with no rush fee.
That turnaround applies to the translation itself. Some of the steps around it, however, cannot go any faster.
Is tomorrow possible? And today?
For the next working day, that is the lower end of the standard turnaround. Ask for it with a quote: the team tells you before you pay whether it can be done.
For today itself, it is not realistic. The terms of sale specifically cite "a certified translation required in less than one working day" as an example of a request that may be refused. In that case, any amount paid is refunded in full.
If your appointment is in less than 24 hours, call the authority instead: ask whether you can bring the translation a little later, or move the appointment.
How do you get an urgent translation?
Do not order blind. Request a quote stating the date of your appointment: the team handles the request as a priority and confirms the achievable turnaround before you commit.
The quote arrives within 1 to 2 working hours, and support answers 7 days a week in an emergency. That way you know, before paying, whether the translation will arrive in time.
When does the turnaround for a certified translation start?
The terms of sale are precise: the standard turnaround runs "Monday to Friday, excluding French public holidays, from validation of payment and receipt of a complete and legible document".
So three conditions must be met for the clock to start:
- your payment is validated;
- your document is complete, front and back included;
- it is legible, with no blurred passage or cropped edge.
An example to make it concrete. You order and pay on a Friday evening, with a complete and legible document: the weekend does not count, and your translation will not arrive before Monday. If your appointment is on Monday, request a quote on Friday.
What cannot go any faster
An incomplete or illegible document. A blurred scan or a forgotten back page means one more round trip before the turnaround even starts. Scan flat, in good light, and send all the pages the first time.
The apostille or legalisation, if your document requires one. Depending on the country that issued it, a foreign document sometimes has to be apostilled or legalised before it can be submitted in France. This step is carried out by the authorities of the country of origin or the consulate, and nobody can shorten it for you.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs table tells you whether your country is concerned. For many, including Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia for civil-status records, there is nothing to do. If your country requires one, do it first.
The paper copy. By default, the translation is delivered as a signed PDF, sent by email. If your authority requires the paper copy, you have to add the postal delivery time, for €15 postage.
Is the PDF enough for your appointment?
This is the question that decides your real turnaround. If the authority accepts the digital translation, you have it within the standard 24 to 48 working hours. If it requires the paper copy, also allow for postage.
The answer is on your list of documents, or in your appointment letter. If in doubt, ask at the counter before ordering: that is what saves you waiting for an unnecessary postal delivery.
In practice
- Check on your list of documents whether the digital translation is accepted, and whether your document needs an apostille or legalisation.
- Scan the complete document, legible, front and back.
- If it is urgent, request a quote with your appointment date; otherwise, order directly.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay extra for an urgent translation?
No. Urgent requests are handled with no rush fee: the team, mobilised as a priority, confirms the shortest achievable turnaround, at the same price.
Is a long document delivered within the same turnaround?
Not necessarily. For a document of several pages, such as articles of association or a court judgment, request a quote: the turnaround stated in it takes precedence over the standard turnaround.
Sources
- DocuTrad, general terms of sale, articles 4 and 7 (turnaround), and home page
- French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, summary table of the current state of treaty law on legalisation, updated on 15 September 2026
