Certified Translation
A complete official document translation supplied with a signed statement confirming accuracy and completion.
UK certified document translation
Certified Translation Services for Official Documents in the UK
Carefully prepared certified translations for birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, academic records, legal papers, driving licences, immigration documents and business files. Send us the receiving authority’s instructions so the appropriate certification route can be confirmed before work begins.
UKVI and Home Office
HM Passport Office
Embassies and consulates
Universities and employers
Receiving bodies set their own requirements and make the final decision on acceptance. Include any checklist, application guidance or requested wording when sending your documents.
10,000+
Documents translated
100+
Languages supported
10+ years
Certified translation experience
24-hour
Options for eligible documents
What the service includes
What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a complete translation accompanied by a signed certification statement confirming that the translated text is accurate and complete to the best of the translator’s knowledge and ability.
For many UK official applications, the certification should identify the translator or authorised agency representative and include the date, signature and contact details. Some routes may request further information about professional credentials, so the intended purpose and destination should be checked before ordering.
A certified translation is not the same as a certified copy. A certified translation confirms the accuracy of translated text. A certified copy confirms that a photocopy matches an original document.
Read the current GOV.UK supporting-document guidanceA standard certified translation can include:
- Translation of all readable text, stamps, seals and annotations
- A signed declaration of accuracy and completeness
- The translator’s or agency representative’s identifying details
- The date of translation and relevant certification information
- Digital delivery for online review or submission
- Printed, signed and stamped copies when requested
The receiving authority’s written instructions should determine
whether you need a standard certified translation, a notarised
translation, a sworn translation, an apostille or another form
of legalisation.
Our services
Translation Routes for Different Official Requirements
The correct route depends on the destination country, receiving authority and purpose of the document.
Notarised Translation
A certified translation accompanied by the relevant notarial formalities when an authority requires signature or declaration verification.
Sworn Translation
A translation produced under the formal system required by countries or authorities that use sworn or court-appointed translators.
Apostille and Legalisation Support
Support for documents or eligible signatures that require authentication before they can be used in another country.
Legal and Immigration Documents
Translation of visa documents, civil certificates, court papers, identity records and supporting evidence for formal use.
Academic and Business Documents
Translation of diplomas, transcripts, contracts, reports, company records and other professional documentation.
Documents we translate
Certified Document Translation for Personal and Professional Use
Send every relevant page, including reverse sides, stamps, seals and handwritten annotations. The team can review documents for personal, academic, immigration, legal and business use.
Civil and Personal Documents
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce documents and civil partnership records.
Identity and Immigration Documents
Passports, identity cards, driving licences, visa papers, police certificates and immigration evidence.
Academic and Professional Records
Degree certificates, diplomas, academic transcripts, qualifications, CVs and professional supporting documents.
Legal and Court Papers
Court orders, judgments, contracts, affidavits, powers of attorney, wills and notarial documents.
Financial and Medical Records
Bank statements, financial evidence, medical reports, doctor’s letters and health-related documentation.
Business and Company Documents
Incorporation records, company documents, commercial agreements, reports and formal correspondence.
Choose the right route
Certified, Notarised, Sworn or Apostilled?
Ask the receiving authority for written instructions whenever possible. The terminology and formalities can vary by country, organisation and application route.
| Service | What it normally involves | Common use | Important check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | A complete translation with a signed statement of accuracy and identifying details. | UKVI, Home Office, passport, university, employer and administrative submissions. | Confirm the receiving body’s wording, format and copy requirements. |
| Notarised translation | A notary verifies a relevant signature or declaration. The exact notarial act can vary. | Some foreign authorities, international legal matters and formal overseas submissions. | A notary does not normally assess linguistic accuracy unless separately qualified to do so. |
| Sworn translation | A translation produced by a translator formally appointed or authorised under the relevant country’s system. | Authorities in countries whose legal systems require a sworn or court-appointed translator. | Requirements differ significantly between countries and individual authorities. |
| Apostille or legalisation | Authentication of an eligible public document, seal or signature for overseas use. | International civil-status, legal, education and business procedures. | Check whether authentication is required on the original, a certified copy or a notarised declaration. |
This comparison is general guidance. The written instructions of the organisation receiving your documents should determine the service you order.
How it works
A Clear Five-Step Certified Translation Process
The service type, expected delivery and copy format are agreed before translation begins.
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Send Your Documents
Upload a PDF, clear scan or complete photograph through the online order route.
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Receive Your Quote
The language pair, document length, certification route and deadline are reviewed.
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Professional Translation
A qualified professional translator prepares the full document and visible official markings.
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Quality Check
Names, dates, numbers, stamps, formatting and certification details are checked.
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Secure Delivery
The certified translation is returned digitally, with printed copies arranged where requested.
Quality checks before delivery
Details That Matter in Official Document Translation
Official documents often contain information that must remain consistent across the source, translation and certification statement.
Include a passport or other reference document when a name
has more than one possible English spelling. This helps the
translated spelling remain consistent with your application.
Names and Spellings
Compared with the source and any preferred passport spelling supplied with the order.
Dates and Numbers
Checked for omissions, transposition and differences in date or number formatting.
Stamps and Seals
Described or translated where they are legible and relevant to the document.
Formatting
Structured so the relationship between the source document and translation remains clear.
Certification Details
Reviewed against the requested use and submission route before delivery.
Final File Check
Pages, attachments, copy requirements and delivery details are confirmed before release.
Timelines and delivery
How Long Does a Certified Translation Take?
Many standard certificates and identity documents can be completed within 24 hours after the order is confirmed. Larger, complex or less common language projects may require two to three working days or longer.
The written quote should confirm the expected completion date, certification route and requested delivery format before work begins.
Express availability depends on the document, language pair,
formatting, certification requirements and time the complete
source file is received.
What to send us
Practical Document Checklist
A complete, readable source file and clear submission instructions help avoid unnecessary delays.
- Every page, including reverse sides containing stamps, notes or other relevant information
- A clear scan or photograph with the whole document and all four corners visible
- The source language and the language required for the translation
- The name of the receiving authority and destination country
- Any official checklist, email, template or required certification wording
- Your preferred spelling of names, supported by a passport or ID where relevant
- Your submission deadline and whether digital or printed copies are required
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Feedback currently displayed on the Translations Certified homepage.
“Translations Certified made my visa application stress-free. My birth certificate and marriage certificate were translated and certified within 24 hours. The Home Office accepted everything without any issues. Highly recommended!”
“I needed my university transcripts and degree certificate translated for a UK university application. The turnaround was incredibly fast and the quality was excellent. My offer was unconditional thanks to their accurate work.”
“Professional, efficient, and affordable. I needed several legal documents notarised for an international court case. The team handled everything with complete confidentiality and delivered on time.”
Questions clients often ask
Certified Translation FAQs
Requirements can differ by authority, destination country and application type. Send any written instructions with your document.
Your question is not listed? Contact the translation team .
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a full translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation agency confirming that it is accurate and complete. For many UK official purposes, it should also contain the translation date, the full name and signature of the translator or authorised representative, and contact details.
Are translations prepared for Home Office and UKVI applications?
Translations can be prepared with the certification information commonly requested in published Home Office and UKVI guidance. Final acceptance remains the decision of the receiving authority, so include any application-specific instructions or checklist with your documents.
How long does a certified translation take?
Many standard certified translations can be completed within 24 hours after the document, requirements and payment are confirmed. Larger projects, complex formatting and less common language pairs may take two to three working days or longer. Urgent options are available for selected requests.
What types of documents can be translated?
Common documents include birth and marriage certificates, divorce papers, academic transcripts, degree certificates, passports, driving licences, police certificates, medical reports, bank statements, contracts, powers of attorney and company records.
How much does a certified translation cost?
The price depends on the document type, language pair, word count, formatting, urgency and certification route. Send a clear copy for a written quote confirming the service, expected delivery and requested copy format.
Do you offer notarised translations?
Notarised translation support is available when a receiving authority requires notarial verification of a relevant signature or declaration. Sworn translation and apostille or legalisation support are also available. Ask the authority exactly what it requires before ordering.
Can you translate and certify a birth or marriage certificate?
Birth and marriage certificates are among the most frequently requested certified document translations. Send a clear copy of every page and state where the translation will be submitted so the appropriate certification format can be confirmed.
Can I send a photograph instead of a scan?
A clear, complete and readable photograph is normally sufficient for quotation and may be suitable for translation. Keep the document flat and well lit, with every corner, stamp, seal and handwritten note visible.
Will I receive a digital copy or a printed copy?
Digital delivery is available for online review and submission. Printed, signed and stamped copies can also be arranged where the receiving authority requests them. State the required format when requesting the quote.
Does a certified translation need an apostille?
Not in every case. An apostille authenticates a qualifying public document or eligible signature for use overseas. Depending on the destination authority, it may be required on the original document, a certified copy or a notarised declaration. The authority’s written instructions should guide the order.
Start your order
Ready to Get Your Documents Translated?
Upload your documents and include the receiving authority, destination country and deadline. The team will review the files and confirm the appropriate certification route, expected delivery and copy options.