Criminal record certificate translation.
Translate criminal record, police clearance and background check documents according to their actual issuing authority and purpose. Personal details and the scope of the certificate require careful handling.
Records from different jurisdictions
National, federal, state and police certificates can describe different searches or findings. A translated label must not expand the scope of the original check.
Names, identifiers, dates, authorities, codes and observations are reviewed together. Statements about the presence or absence of records are conveyed according to the actual wording.
Uses in Chile and abroad
Documents may be requested for immigration, employment, accreditation or other institutional processes.
- English-language certificates for Chilean recipients when translation is required.
- Chilean Spanish-language certificates for recipients requesting English.
- Supporting records within family, employment or relocation packages.
Validity belongs to the original document
Translation does not renew a certificate or change its issue date. Confirm the maximum document age and other requirements with the recipient before ordering.
For residence procedures, do not assume English originals always require Spanish translation. Check the applicable instructions and any requirement for an authorized official translation.
Submit the complete certificate
Include reverse sides, verification codes, authentication pages and attachments where present. State the country of issue and intended receiving institution.
Certification and FEA can be assessed against the recipient’s requirements. A private translator cannot guarantee the outcome of a background review or application.
FBI checks and US state records
An FBI background check is a federal record. State-issued records follow a different authentication route. The US Department of State distinguishes federal and state documents; identify the actual issuer before arranging authentication.
Translation does not replace that process. An English original is not automatically subject to translation under the cited SERMIG temporary-residence criterion. A different recipient may still require a Spanish version.
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Official information
Reviewed October 18, 2026. Check current instructions for your procedure.
Before you send your documents
Are “police clearance” and “background check” identical?
Not necessarily. Their scope depends on the issuing jurisdiction and document. The translation follows the source rather than assuming identical coverage.
Will translating an older certificate make it acceptable?
No. The receiving authority determines how recent the original must be.
Can I request English translation of a Chilean certificate?
Yes. Provide the full certificate and the foreign recipient’s translation requirements.
Have a document for review?
Describe the documents, readers, purpose and any recipient instructions. Start without attachments if needed. You’ll receive a proposal with scope, timing and price before work begins.