How do I get a criminal record extract translated?

When applying for naturalization, a visa, employment abroad, or university enrollment, it is often required to provide a criminal record extract accompanied by a sworn translation .
This document, which is strictly official, must be translated by a translator sworn before a court of appeal , in order to guarantee its legal value.
DocuTrad guides you step by step to obtain a translation recognized by all French and foreign administrations.

What is a criminal record extract?

A criminal record lists the criminal decisions handed down against a person.
The criminal record extract (bulletin n°3) is the only document you can request for yourself.
It is issued free of charge by:

• The National Criminal Records Office (online at casier-judiciaire.justice.gouv.fr)
  
• By mail for people born abroad.
  
  

It is nominative and confidential: only the document holder can request it.
Why is a certified translation necessary?
Foreign authorities and certain French administrations (prefectures, courts, universities, public employers) only accept documents translated by a sworn translator .
An uncertified translation is systematically rejected.
The certified translation includes:

• the statement “sworn translation true to the original”
  
• the signature and stamp of the sworn translator
  
• and an official numbering and dating .
  

DocuTrad guarantees full compliance of each translation , legally recognized in France and internationally.
What documents are required for translation?
To order a sworn translation of your criminal record extract, simply send:

1. A clear scan of bulletin no. 3 (PDF or image format)
   
2. A piece of identification (identity card, passport or residence permit)
   
3. The desired target language (English, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, German, etc.).
   

The document is treated confidentially and destroyed after delivery.
In what cases is the translation of the criminal record extract mandatory?
A sworn translation of the criminal record extract is required for:

• visa or immigration applications
  
• naturalization or nationality procedures ;
  
• university enrollments abroad ;
  
• public or international jobs ;
  
• legal proceedings or notarial files.
  

In some countries, an apostille is also required to validate the translator's signature. DocuTrad can assist you with this process.

Why choose DocuTrad?
DocuTrad, a platform specializing in sworn translation, provides you with a network of translators sworn before the competent courts of appeal.
Our guarantees:

• Legal compliance recognized by prefectures, courts and embassies.
  
• Fast delivery : signed PDF translation within 48 hours.
  
• Secure payment via Shopify or PayPal.
  
• Total confidentiality of personal data.
  
• Responsive customer service for order tracking.
  

Each translation is carried out in accordance with current legal standards and is valid without time limit.
Steps to get your translation with DocuTrad

1. Submit your document to the DocuTrad platform (PDF or legible photo).
   
2. Receive a free quote within a few hours.
   
3. Confirm the order and the secure payment .
   
4. Receipt of the translated document by email (signed and sealed PDF).
   
5. DHL paper delivery option if needed.
   

FAQ

1. Is a criminal record extract translation mandatory for naturalization?
Yes, it is required by the majority of prefectures for foreign nationals.
2. Who can translate a criminal record extract?
Only a translator sworn before a court of appeal .
3. Is DocuTrad translation valid abroad?
Yes, our certified translations are recognized in most countries, with apostille if necessary.
4. How long does the document remain valid?
The criminal record extract must be recent (less than 3 months old). The translation remains valid as long as the original document is valid.
5. Is it possible to obtain an express translation?
Yes, DocuTrad offers priority handling depending on the language, the volume and the translator's availability, with no rush fee.