If you’ve been asked to provide an English translation of an official document, you may have been told that the translation needs to be certified.
But what exactly is a certified translation, who can provide one, and what does it need to include?
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a complete and accurate translation of a document accompanied by a formal statement confirming the accuracy of the translation.
In the UK, there is no system of state-appointed or sworn translators of the kind that exists in some other countries. Instead, the translator certifies the accuracy of their own work.
Current UK Government guidance states that a certified translation should include written confirmation that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document, together with the date of translation and the translator’s full name and contact details.
Professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) also recommend using an appropriately qualified and registered professional translator for documents intended for official use.
When might you need a certified translation?
Certified translations are commonly required when documents issued in another language need to be submitted to a UK organisation or authority.
You might need one for:
- birth, marriage or death certificates;
- divorce documents;
- passports and identity documents;
- visa and immigration documents;
- diplomas, degree certificates and academic transcripts;
- bank statements and other financial documents; or
- legal documents.
The exact requirements vary depending on who will be receiving the translation and what it will be used for, so it’s always worth checking any instructions you’ve been given before commissioning the work.
Who can certify a translation in the UK?
The UK does not have a single government register of certified translators.
For an important official document, however, choosing a professionally qualified translator whose credentials can be independently verified provides reassurance about both the translation and the person certifying it.
I’m a Chartered Linguist and full member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists for French, Italian and Spanish, and my professional credentials can be checked directly on the CIOL register.
What does a certified translation include?
My certified translations include a formal certification statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete, together with my professional details and credentials.
I supply completed translations as a digitally certified PDF. If you need a physical copy, I can also provide a professionally prepared hard-copy bundle, including a signed covering letter, professional seal and Chartered Linguist sticker.
If the organisation receiving your translation has given you specific certification requirements, simply send them to me with your document.
Do I need to send the original document?
Usually, no.
For most certified translations, I can work from a clear scan or photograph of your original document. PDFs and JPEGs are both fine, so there’s normally no need to risk sending an important original certificate or document through the post.
How do I arrange a certified translation?
Send me a clear copy of your document and let me know if you’ve been given any specific instructions by the organisation that will receive it.
I’ll review the document and confirm the fixed price and turnaround time before you decide whether to proceed.
A straightforward, single-page certificate typically costs £50, including translation, formatting, certification and delivery as a digitally certified PDF. Longer or more complex documents are quoted individually.
If you need a certified English translation from French, Italian or Spanish, you can find full details of my service, pricing and process on my Certified Translations page, or get in touch for a no-obligation quote.