Notary-supported document translation
Professional translation with the notarial step required for legal, academic, business and personal documents. Send the receiving authority’s instructions with your files so the correct certification, notarisation and legalisation route can be confirmed.
Translation
Complete rendering of the source document
Certification
Translator or company declaration
Notarisation
Authentication by a notary public
Legalisation
Apostille or embassy step if requested
Clear definition
A notarised translation is a professional translation that undergoes an additional notarial process because the organisation receiving it has requested formal authentication.
Depending on the instructions, the notary may witness or authenticate the translator’s declaration, signature or supporting certification. The notary’s role is distinct from the translator’s linguistic work.
Notarisation does not automatically include an apostille. An apostille is a separate legalisation certificate that may be required when a UK document or notarial act will be used abroad.
Read the GOV.UK guidance on notaries and document legalisation .
Choose the correct route
Select the closest situation for practical guidance. Always follow the exact written instructions supplied by the receiving authority.
Notarial authentication required
Send the authority’s wording, destination country, source document and target language. It is important to confirm what the notary must authenticate and whether original documents are required.
Certification only
When the recipient only asks for a certified translation, adding a notarial step may create extra cost, handling and delay without being necessary.
Legalisation required
The notarial act may need to be legalised by the UK Legalisation Office. Confirm whether the apostille applies to the source document, the translation, the notarial certificate or a particular signature.
Jurisdiction-specific translator status
Some countries require the translation to be completed by a translator who is officially sworn, appointed or authorised in that jurisdiction. Notarisation does not automatically replace this requirement.
What the service includes
The exact notarial wording depends on the document, jurisdiction and receiving authority. The service route is confirmed before the formalities are completed.
The file, language, destination and recipient’s instructions are checked before the route is confirmed.
The readable text, stamps, seals, references and annotations are represented where relevant.
Names, dates, figures, identifiers and document structure are checked before certification.
The required translator or company declaration is prepared for the agreed notarial route.
The relevant signature, declaration or supporting document is presented for notarial authentication.
Apostille or additional legalisation can be considered when the destination authority specifically requires it.
Documents commonly submitted
The correct route depends on the document and its destination. Send every page, reverse side, attachment, seal and visible annotation that forms part of the original.
How the process works
The recipient’s written instructions should be provided at the beginning so each step can be completed in the correct order.
Send clear copies of every relevant page and attachment.
Provide the destination, authority, deadline and wording.
The document is translated and checked for consistency.
The agreed declaration or signature follows the notarial route.
The completed documents are supplied in the agreed format.
Service comparison
These services solve different requirements. Choose the route named by the authority receiving your document.
| Service | What it adds | Usually relevant when |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | A declaration confirming the translation is true and accurate. | A UK organisation asks for a standard certified translation. |
| Notarised translation | A notarial act authenticating the required signature, declaration or document. | The authority specifically asks for notarisation or notarial certification. |
| Apostille translation | Legalisation through an apostille attached to an eligible UK document or signature. | The document will be used abroad and the destination authority requests legalisation. |
| Sworn translation | Translation by a translator with a formal status in the relevant jurisdiction. | The destination country requires a sworn or officially appointed translator. |
Prepare your request
Clear instructions at the beginning reduce the risk of unnecessary notarisation, repeated appointments or a legalisation step being completed in the wrong order.
Timing and delivery
Translation time is only one part of a notarised order. The final schedule also depends on document checks, notary availability, originals and any external legalisation.
Questions customers often ask
Requirements vary between authorities and countries. Written instructions should be supplied whenever they are available.
It is a professional translation that undergoes an additional notarial process. Depending on the recipient’s instructions, the notary may authenticate a translator’s declaration, signature or supporting document.
The precise notarial act depends on the requirement. A notary may confirm identity, witness a signature, authenticate a declaration or certify a document. The notary does not automatically replace the translator’s responsibility for the translation.
No. A certified translation includes an accuracy declaration from the translator or translation company. A notarised translation adds a separate notarial authentication step.
No. An apostille is a separate legalisation certificate. It may be required after notarisation when the document will be used abroad, but only when the receiving authority requests it.
UKVI applications commonly require certified translations rather than notarised translations. Add notarisation only when your application instructions or the receiving authority specifically requests it.
It may be suitable when it follows the destination authority’s requirements. Some authorities also require an apostille, embassy legalisation, a locally registered notary or a sworn translator.
A clear scan may be enough to begin the translation and review. The notarial process or receiving authority may later require the original document, a certified copy or identification evidence.
Common requests include powers of attorney, contracts, academic records, company documents, civil certificates, identity documents and legal records. Eligibility and procedure depend on the document and intended use.
The schedule depends on the language, document length, notarial procedure, availability of originals and whether apostille or embassy legalisation is also required. A confirmed delivery date should be obtained after review.
The price depends on the translation work, document type, language, notarial act, number of documents, originals and any additional legalisation. Send the files and instructions for a confirmed price.
Ready to begin?
Upload a clear copy and include the destination country, receiving authority, language, deadline and any written instructions. The correct translation, notarial and legalisation route can then be confirmed.