What is Certified Translation?
Certified translation is the most requested type of translation service in the UK. This guide explains what makes a translation "certified", when you need it, what it costs, and how to ensure your translation meets official requirements.
Definition
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed declaration from the translator or translation company confirming the translation is accurate and complete. The certification includes the translator's full name, qualifications, signature, contact details, and the date of translation.
TL;DR
Certified translation is a translation with a signed statement confirming accuracy. It costs £35 per document in the UK. Required by UKVI, Home Office, DVLA, universities, banks, and courts. Notarisation is NOT required for UK domestic use.
Key Facts
What Makes a Translation "Certified"?
A certified translation includes a formal statement of certification. This statement typically contains:
- Declaration of accuracy - A statement confirming the translation is accurate and complete
- Translator's full name - The name of the person who performed the translation
- Translator's qualifications - Professional credentials (e.g., ITI member, MA in Translation)
- Translator's signature - An original signature or authorised electronic signature
- Contact details - Address, phone number, or email for verification
- Date of translation - When the translation was completed
The certification carries legal weight. The translator or translation company takes responsibility for the accuracy of their work.
When Do You Need Certified Translation?
Certified translation is required when submitting foreign-language documents to UK authorities and institutions. Common situations include:
- UKVI/Home Office - All visa applications, settlement (ILR), and citizenship applications
- Universities (UCAS) - Academic transcripts, diplomas, and qualification certificates
- DVLA - Foreign driving licence exchange applications
- UK Courts - Legal proceedings requiring foreign-language evidence
- Banks - Account opening, mortgage applications with foreign documents
- Employers - Right to work checks, qualification verification
- NHS - Medical records from abroad, patient documentation
If in doubt, ask the receiving authority what they require. In the UK, certified translation is almost always sufficient.
Certified vs Notarised: What's the Difference?
Certified translation is the translator's own certification of accuracy. This is what UK authorities require.
Notarised translation adds authentication by a notary public (a solicitor with special appointment). The notary verifies the translator's identity and witnesses their signature. This is NOT required for UK domestic use but may be needed for international legal matters.
Key point: UKVI, the Home Office, DVLA, UK universities, and UK courts all accept standard certified translation. Do not pay extra for notarisation unless specifically required by the receiving authority.
How Much Does Certified Translation Cost?
In the UK, certified translation typically costs:
- Single-page documents (certificates, IDs): £35 fixed fee
- Multi-page documents: £0.10-0.18 per word depending on language
- Additional certificates: £25 each (volume discount)
Prices vary based on language (rare languages cost more), urgency (same-day service costs extra), and document complexity. Always get a quote before proceeding.
Warning: Very cheap prices (under £20) may indicate poor quality or fake certification. Legitimate certified translation involves professional translators and quality assurance.
Can Anyone Certify a Translation?
While there is no legal requirement for translators to be accredited in the UK, authorities expect translations to come from:
- Professional translation companies
- Qualified professional translators
- Members of professional bodies (ITI, CIOL, ATC)
What authorities reject:
- Self-translation (translating your own documents)
- Family member translations
- Machine translation (Google Translate, DeepL) without human review
- Translations without proper certification
Using an independent professional translator protects you from rejection and delays.
Do Certified Translations Expire?
Certified translations themselves do not expire. However, the underlying documents may have validity requirements:
- Bank statements: Typically must be within 28-31 days
- Employment letters: Usually within 3 months
- Police certificates: Typically within 6-12 months
- Birth/marriage certificates: No expiry (permanent documents)
The translation date should be reasonably close to your application date. If your application is delayed significantly, you may need to update time-sensitive documents.
Key Things to Know
Legal Standing
Certified translation is legally valid for all UK official purposes. The translator takes legal responsibility for accuracy.
Notarisation Not Required
UK authorities (UKVI, DVLA, universities) accept certified translation. Don't pay extra for notarisation unless specifically required.
Independent Translator
The translator must be independent - not related to you or involved in your application.
Fast Turnaround
Certified translation can be completed same-day for urgent applications. Standard delivery is 2-3 business days.
200+ Languages
We certify translations from over 200 languages into English, and from English into major world languages.
Acceptance Guarantee
Our certified translations are accepted by all UK authorities. If rejected for translation quality, we'll redo it free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator confirming it is accurate and complete. The statement includes the translator's name, qualifications, signature, and contact details. It is required by UK authorities for official documents.
Certified translation costs £35 per single-page document (certificates, IDs) or £0.10-0.18 per word for longer documents. Prices vary by language and urgency. Same-day service is available for an additional fee.
No. Certified translation includes the translator's own certification of accuracy. Notarised translation adds authentication by a notary public. UK authorities (UKVI, DVLA, universities) accept certified translation - notarisation is not required.
Yes. UKVI requires certified translation for any supporting documents not in English or Welsh. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, employment letters, and qualification certificates.
No. Authorities expect translations from independent professional translators. Self-translations or translations by family members are likely to be rejected. The translator must have no personal interest in your application.
Standard delivery is 2-3 business days. Urgent same-day service is available for most documents. Complex or lengthy documents may take longer. We provide estimated turnaround times with every quote.
Certified translations themselves do not expire. However, the underlying documents may have validity requirements (e.g., bank statements within 28 days). The translation should be dated reasonably close to your application.
Common documents requiring certified translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic transcripts, diplomas, driving licences, bank statements, employment letters, and police certificates.
Yes. UK universities and UCAS accept certified translation for academic transcripts, diplomas, and qualification certificates. Notarisation is not required for UK university applications.
Professional certified translators typically hold translation qualifications (DipTrans, MA Translation) or membership of professional bodies (ITI, CIOL, ATC). Experience in the relevant field (legal, medical, technical) is important for specialist documents.
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