When you submit a translated document to an institution, accurate wording is only part of the requirement. You may also need a signed statement confirming the translation’s accuracy, or additional formalities specified by the receiving organisation.

Temple Translations provides certified translations for individuals, law firms, businesses and institutions. Projects may involve personal certificates, corporate records or documents needed for legal proceedings.

As a member of the Association of Translation Companies, we can provide translations accompanied by a signed certification statement. Before ordering, share any instructions from the authority or organisation requesting the documents. Requirements vary by destination and purpose.

I know we will definitely want to work with Temple again if we have translation requirements in future, and we would be happy to recommend Temple to our colleagues in other museums.

Lucy S., The British Library

When you submit a translated document to an institution, accurate wording is only part of the requirement. You may also need a signed statement confirming the translation’s accuracy, or additional formalities specified by the receiving organisation.

Temple Translations provides certified translations for individuals, law firms, businesses and institutions. Projects may involve personal certificates, corporate records or documents needed for legal proceedings.

As a member of the Association of Translation Companies, we can provide translations accompanied by a signed certification statement. Before ordering, share any instructions from the authority or organisation requesting the documents. Requirements vary by destination and purpose.

Certification, notarisation and legalisation

These terms describe different requirements. The appropriate option depends on where you are submitting the translation and what the recipient has requested.

Certified translation with a statement of accuracy

A certified translation is accompanied by a statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the source document.

Temple’s certification is dated and signed on company letterhead. It identifies the agency and provides contact details so the recipient can make enquiries about the translation.

This certification concerns the translation’s accuracy. It does not authenticate the original document or guarantee acceptance by every institution. Any specific wording or other requirements should be supplied before work begins.

Notarised translations

A notarised translation involves an additional notarial step. This commonly concerns the translator’s declaration or signature, rather than an independent assessment of the translation’s linguistic accuracy.

Some recipients require notarisation for documents used overseas. If it has been requested, send us the exact instructions so we can discuss the appropriate arrangements and any implications for timing or delivery.

Notarisation is not automatically required for every certified translation.

Apostille and legalisation

An apostille authenticates a signature, stamp or seal on a document. It does not verify the accuracy of the translation or the truth of the document’s contents.

For eligible UK documents, apostilles are issued through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Legalisation Office. The necessary preliminary steps depend on the document and the recipient’s requirements.

Ask the receiving organisation whether it needs the original document, the translation or both to undergo legalisation. For some destinations, additional consular procedures may apply.

Sworn translations for overseas use

Some countries require translations completed by a translator authorised under their own legal system. These are often called sworn translations.

The UK does not have an equivalent general system of state-appointed sworn translators. A UK certified translation should therefore not automatically be treated as interchangeable with a sworn translation required elsewhere.

Temple can assist with sworn translation requests. Tell us the destination country, language and receiving authority so we can assess the relevant requirements.

Documents that may require certified translation

Common requests include:

  • Birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates.
  • Diplomas, academic certificates and transcripts.
  • Medical certificates.
  • Certificates of incorporation and other corporate records.
  • Evidence and supporting documents for court proceedings.
  • Claim forms and related documents for service abroad.

The document type alone does not determine the certification needed. The same document may have different requirements depending on its purpose and recipient.

For documents intended for internal review, business communication or reference, where certification is not required, see our document translation services.

What type of certification do you need?

Start with the instructions from the organisation receiving your documents. If the requirements are unclear, ask it to confirm the type of translation and certification it accepts.

When requesting a quotation, please provide:

  • A clear copy of the document, including all relevant pages.
  • The language required.
  • The destination country and receiving organisation.
  • Any written certification or submission instructions.
  • Your deadline and whether a digital or paper version is required.

Our team will review the information and discuss the appropriate service, price and estimated completion time. Where additional confirmation is needed from the recipient, we will identify what needs to be clarified.

Request a certified translation quote, call 020 7842 0171 or email enquiry@templetranslations.com.

Languages we translate

Temple works across more than 200 languages. Contact us with your language combination and destination requirements so we can confirm availability for the translation and any certification needed.

French

German

Italian

Spanish

Russian

Dutch

Simplified Chinese

Greek

Arabic

Japanese

Brazilian Portuguese

Turkish

Portuguese

Swedish

Hebrew

Lat. Am. Spanish

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Ukrainian

Norwegian

Korean

Flemish

Finnish

Czech

Polish

Croatian

Danish

Romanian

Slovenian

Serbian

Farsi

Latvian

Estonian

Azeri

Montenegrin

Indonesian

Dari

Urdu

Lithuanian

Amharic

Thai

Hindi

Malay

Bulgarian

Uzbek

Icelandic

Kazakh

Vietnamese

Belarussian

Sinhalese

Afrikaans

Macedonian

Armenian

Bengali

Albanian

Khmer

Filipino

Slovak

French Canadian

Maltese

Welsh

Bosnian

Hungarian

Nepali

Moldovan

Traditional Chinese

 

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is included in a certified translation?

It includes the translated text and a dated, signed statement confirming its accuracy, with details identifying the certifying translator or agency. Tell us if the receiving organisation requires particular wording, signatures or a specific presentation format.

Q: Will my certified translation be accepted?

Acceptance is determined by the receiving organisation. Share its current requirements before ordering so the translation and certification can be prepared accordingly. No single form of certification is suitable for every institution or country.

Q: Do you need the original document?

A clear scan or digital copy may be sufficient to prepare the translation. However, an original or certified copy may be needed for a particular submission, notarisation or legalisation procedure. Send us the recipient’s instructions so we can clarify what is required.

Q: Do I need a notarised translation or an apostille?

Only if the recipient or applicable procedure requires it. These are additional formalities with different purposes. Do not assume that a request for a certified translation also requires notarisation or an apostille.

Q: Can I submit a digital certified translation?

Some organisations accept digital versions, while others require paper documents with original signatures or stamps. Confirm the submission format with the recipient and tell us before ordering.

Q: How much does a certified translation cost?

The price depends on the language combination, document length and complexity, and the certification required. Additional arrangements such as notarisation, legalisation or postal delivery may affect the total. Send your documents and instructions for a quotation.

Q: How long does a certified translation take?

We will provide an estimated completion time after reviewing the documents and requirements. Additional formalities and postal delivery can extend the overall timeframe, so include your submission deadline when contacting us.

Q: Is a certified translation the same as a certified copy?

No. A certified translation confirms the accuracy of translated text. A certified copy confirms that a copy corresponds to an original document. The receiving organisation may request one or both, so check its instructions carefully.

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