We get asked about our certified translation services a lot. People largely want to know exactly what it is, and when they might need it. Like most bespoke services, the answer is, it depends!

We’ve put together a quick guide, which will explain clearly each level of certification, along with a few examples of when it may be required.

Just what is a certified translation?

There are a few terms to get your head around, but at its heart, it’s a way to prove your document’s accuracy to an official body. A basic certified translation will consist of the source text, the translated text and a signed statement on an official letterhead, either by ourselves or by the translator. After your document is translated by one of our experienced translators, it’s passed on to a second linguist to check for accuracy. From there it gets the sign-off from a project manager. Congratulations! You now have a certified translation! This type of certification is widely accepted by universities, industries and official bodies across the UK and overseas.

When might you need our certified translation services?

Perhaps you’ve just tied the knot abroad and need your wedding certificate translated to update your passport records. Or maybe you need your qualifications in English to try and bag a place at a top university. There are a wealth of situations when you might need a certified translation. From translating dissertations to driving licenses, hospital records to house deeds. But, depending on the original document, and its intended use, a different level of certification may be necessary.

Notarised translations

Here is where it starts to get a little more serious. A notarised translation will be needed when documents are to be translated and shown in court or for other legal reasons. Either the translator of your document or a representative from our offices will visit a Public Notary – a type of qualified lawyer. They will swear, under oath, that the translated document represents a true and accurate reflection of the original, to the best of their knowledge. This will be in the form of a written document called a Statutory Declaration. The Notary will put his or her stamp on it, and there you have it! It’s an official legal document. Your document can now be submitted in any legal proceedings within the UK. This can involve any cases in family, magistrates or crown court.

Notarised translation with an Apostille

An Apostille will be required if you’re submitting official documents abroad in certain countries. It might sound confusing, but it’s just an added type of certification. It follows the same journey as a notarised translation, except after being notarised, it is sent to and legalised by the Foreign Commonwealth Office. This is the only body in the UK who can legalise your documents for official use abroad. It is often used under circumstances such as buying a home overseas, divorce proceedings or when trying to obtain Power of Attorney.

When not to use our certified translation services

If your documents aren’t going to be used in any official capacity, there is no need for a certified translation. Things like letters to friends or family, business emails or instruction manuals will not need to be certified. Remember it is only a guarantee of accuracy to an official body. We put the same amount of effort into our regular translations than we do our certified ones. You can be assured we will strive for accuracy, whatever your document is. Always check with the organisation or department your translation is to be submitted to as to which level of certification you need. If you’re still not sure whether you need a certified translation, don’t panic! with us today and we can guide you through the process. It’s that simple.