Notarised Document Translation for Official & International Use
Certified document translation with an additional notarial step where the receiving organisation specifically requires it. Notarisation is different from ordinary translation certification, so the recipient's instructions should be checked before you order.
Notarisation is an extra verification step — not the default for every translation.
In the UK, a certified translation normally includes the translator or translation company's written confirmation that the translation is true and accurate, the date, and identifying/contact details. A notarial step is added only where the receiving organisation asks for it.
Translation + certification statement
The translation is accompanied by the appropriate statement and verification details. This is different from having a notary involved.
Certification/signature + notarial verification
Where specifically required, a notary public can verify the relevant signature, identity or certification formalities. The notary does not replace the translation process itself.
Start with the recipient, not the document name.
A birth certificate, contract or academic record does not automatically need notarisation simply because it is official. The organisation receiving the translated document determines whether a certified translation is enough or whether an additional notarial step is needed.
Foreign authorities, courts, universities or registries may request notarisation or later legalisation. Follow the destination country's instructions.
Contracts, powers of attorney, company records and court material can have specific execution or verification requirements.
Universities, professional bodies and overseas authorities may specify whether translation certification alone is sufficient.
Birth, marriage, divorce and other civil-status documents may need different treatment depending on the recipient and jurisdiction.
Translation first. Additional verification only where required.
The scope depends on the source document, destination, recipient and the exact wording of their instructions.
Send the document
Upload a complete, legible copy and include every relevant page, stamp, seal, endorsement and reverse-side note.
Share the requirement
Tell us which organisation or country will receive the document and send any written notarisation or legalisation instructions.
Translate & certify
The source content is translated and checked, with certification prepared for the stated use.
Complete the agreed notarial step
If notarisation is genuinely required, the additional verification is handled according to the confirmed scope and recipient instructions.
These are related processes, but they are not the same thing.
An apostille is a form of legalisation issued by the UK Legalisation Office for eligible UK documents. Some documents can be legalised directly; others may first need a signature or certification from a UK notary or solicitor.
Notarisation
A notary performs the required notarial act, such as verifying a signature, identity or certification form. What the notary must do depends on the document and recipient's instructions.
Apostille / legalisation
The Legalisation Office checks eligible UK signatures, seals or stamps and attaches an apostille. If the document is for use abroad, check whether the recipient needs notarisation, an apostille, both, or neither.
Where a UK immigration route requires a translation, the applicable rules normally focus on a complete, independently verifiable certified translation. Do not pay for notarisation unless the route, caseworker or another receiving organisation specifically requires it.
Questions to settle before ordering.
Send the recipient's written instructions whenever possible. That is the safest way to avoid paying for an unnecessary step or ordering the wrong form of verification.
Is a certified translation the same as a notarised translation?
No. Certification confirms the translation and provides the relevant translator or translation-company details. Notarisation is a separate notarial act added where specifically required.
Do UKVI or the Home Office always require notarisation?
No. A UK immigration application does not automatically require a notarised translation. Follow the current rules for the route and any specific request you receive.
Does the notary translate the document?
Not necessarily. The translation and the notarial act are separate functions. The exact notarial step depends on what the receiving organisation has asked to be verified.
Do I need an apostille as well?
Only if the receiving authority requires legalisation. An apostille and notarisation are different processes, and some documents may need one, both or neither.
Can any document be notarised?
The correct process depends on the document, the required notarial act, where it will be used and what the recipient accepts. Send the document and instructions for review before proceeding.
How long does notarised translation take?
Timing depends on the language pair, document length, certification requirements, the notarial step and current availability. Turnaround is confirmed after the full scope is reviewed.
Send the document and the recipient's notarisation instructions together.
We can then confirm the translation scope and whether a notarial step is actually needed for the stated use.
If the document is for use outside the UK, include the destination country and any legalisation or apostille instructions.