Certified translation
A translation supplied with a signed statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document, with the translator or company details included for verification.
Official document translation guidance
Sworn Translation Services UK
Need a sworn translation but not sure what the receiving authority actually requires? We help you choose the correct route for your document: UK certified translation, sworn translation for overseas use, notarised translation, affidavit support, apostille, or legalisation where required.
Clear route before work starts
Certified, sworn or notarised options
For UK and overseas submissions
Important UK clarification
In the UK, “sworn translation” often means something else
Many customers ask for a sworn translation because an authority, solicitor, embassy, court, university or registry office has asked for an “official” version of a document. The correct service depends on where the document will be submitted and the exact wording of the requirement.
Simple rule:
For UK-facing submissions, you will usually need a properly certified translation. For overseas submissions, the receiving authority may ask for a sworn translator, notarised translation, apostille or legalisation.
Sworn translation
A translation prepared or certified by a translator with recognised sworn, court-appointed or authorised status in a country that operates that system.
Notarised or apostilled translation
A translation route where a notary, apostille or legalisation step is added because the receiving authority has asked for extra authentication.
What we help with
Get the right official translation format before you submit
Ordering the wrong translation type can delay a legal, immigration, academic, corporate or embassy submission. Our role is to check the destination requirement first, then prepare the most suitable translation route for the authority receiving the document.
If your authority has used the words “sworn”, “certified”, “notarised”, “apostilled”, “legalised”, “court translator”, “authorised translator” or “affidavit”, send us the wording with your document. We can then advise which route is most appropriate before quoting.
This service is suitable when you need help with:
- ✓Legal documents for courts, tribunals or overseas legal authorities
- ✓Affidavits, statutory declarations and witness statements
- ✓Immigration appeals, visa evidence and official application documents
- ✓Police reports, criminal record documents and compliance files
- ✓Depositions, transcripts and formal legal correspondence
- ✓Embassy, registry office, university or foreign authority submissions
Choose the correct route
Certified, sworn, notarised or apostilled?
These terms are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they are different levels of official translation and authentication. The safest option is to match the translation to the receiving authority’s wording.
Certified translation
Commonly used for UK official submissions where the translation must include a signed accuracy statement and verifiable translator or company details.
Sworn translation
May be required where the destination country recognises sworn, court-authorised or officially appointed translators.
Notarised translation
Used when a notary must verify the identity or signature connected to the translation declaration.
Apostille or legalisation
May be needed when a translated document is being used overseas and the authority asks for legalisation.
Documents covered
Sworn and official translation support for legal, personal and business documents
We can help you prepare the correct translation route for a wide range of documents, including legal evidence, certificates, court materials and formal submissions.
How it works
A safer process for official translation requests
The most important step is confirming the requirement before the translation is prepared. This reduces the risk of paying for a certified translation when the authority needs a sworn, notarised or legalised document pack.
Send your document and requirement
Upload or email a clear scan of every page, along with the destination country, receiving authority and any checklist or email wording you have received.
We check the likely translation route
We review whether the wording suggests certified translation, sworn translation, notarisation, apostille or another formal route.
You receive a quote and format guidance
We confirm what can be prepared, what information is needed, and whether the final version should be supplied as PDF, hard copy or both.
The translation is prepared and checked
Your document is translated carefully, checked for names, dates, numbers, stamps and visible notes, then formatted with the appropriate declaration or certification elements.
What to send
Help us confirm the right translation level quickly
When a document is for official use, small details matter. A complete request helps us quote correctly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Send the requirement wording exactly as you received it. A screenshot, PDF checklist or email from the authority is especially helpful if you are unsure whether “sworn” really means sworn, certified, notarised or legalised.
Avoid delays
Common mistakes with sworn translation requests
Most problems happen when the translation type does not match the receiving authority’s requirement. These are the issues to check before ordering.
Ordering by label only
“Official”, “certified”, “sworn” and “legalised” can mean different things depending on the country and authority.
Missing stamps or notes
Official documents often include stamps, handwritten notes, signatures and seals. These should be handled clearly in the translation.
Ignoring destination rules
A translation suitable for a UK submission may not be suitable for a foreign court, embassy or civil registry office.
Before you submit
Checks for sworn and overseas use
For sworn and overseas submissions, the key checks are the destination country, translator status and any additional authentication requested by the receiving authority.
CHECK
Confirm the destination country and the exact wording used by the court, embassy, registry or other receiving authority.Destination requirement Confirm first
CHECK
Check whether the authority requires a sworn, court-appointed or otherwise authorised translator in that jurisdiction.Translator status Country-specific
CHECK
Only add notarisation, apostille or legalisation where the receiving authority specifically requests that extra authentication.Authentication route If requested
Questions customers ask
Sworn translation FAQs
These answers explain the practical difference between sworn, certified and notarised translation so you can choose the right service before submitting your document.
What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is usually a translation prepared or certified by a translator who has official sworn, court-appointed or authorised status in a country that recognises that system. The exact meaning depends on the receiving country and authority.
Does the UK have sworn translators?
The UK does not operate the same formal sworn-translator system used in some other countries. For UK submissions, the usual route is a certified translation with the required accuracy statement, date, name and contact details.
When do I need a sworn translation?
You may need a sworn translation when an overseas court, embassy, registry office, university or government authority specifically asks for a sworn, court-authorised or officially recognised translator.
Is sworn translation the same as certified translation?
No. A certified translation usually means the translator or translation company confirms accuracy in writing. A sworn translation usually depends on the translator’s official status in the relevant country.
Do I need notarisation as well?
Only if the receiving authority asks for notarisation, a notary seal, apostille, legalisation or a similar authentication step. If they only ask for a certified translation, notarisation may not be necessary.
What should I send before ordering?
Send a clear copy of the document, the source and target language, the receiving authority, the destination country, your deadline and any wording that explains the required translation type.
Not sure whether you need sworn, certified or notarised translation?
Send your document and the requirement wording. We’ll help identify the right route before work starts, so your translation is prepared in the correct format for the authority receiving it.