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Sworn vs Notarised vs Apostilled vs Certified Translations – What’s the Difference?

Certified Translation (Standard UK Certification)

This is what we’ve described above. A translation done by a qualified translator or agency, accompanied by a signed certificate confirming its accuracy​. In the UK, this is usually sufficient for most purposes (Home Office, courts, universities, etc.)​. Locate Translate provides this standard certification on all translations. No lawyer or government office is involved in this basic step – it’s done by us as an accredited agency.

Apostille Translations

An Apostille translation is typically required when presenting documents overseas. It is the same procedure as a notarised translation however with an apostille translation, it requires the document to be validated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. These types of translations are valid for all countries abiding by the Hague Convention.

If you are not sure if you need this type of translation certification let us know and we will be happy to assist. We work closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and are able to provide translated documents with the Apostille as required.

“Apostille” refers to the certification provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK. When a document is to be used in a different country, you may be asked for an Apostille. The process is: first the translation is certified by us, then notarised by a notary, and then the FCDO issues an Apostille certificate confirming the notary’s authority​. The Apostille is attached to the document (usually a stamped official certificate). This final step makes the document legally recognised in any country that is a signatory of the Hague Apostille Convention​. Essentially, Apostille = international legalisation. We handle Apostilles often for birth or marriage certificates being sent abroad, academic credentials used overseas, or company documents for international use. Once Apostilled, your translated document will be accepted by foreign government agencies and embassies.

Notarized Translation

In some instances, you may be asked for a notarized translation. This is a further certification process and the difference is that it will be stamped in front of a solicitor or public notary. They will provide a signature and official seal to legalise the translations.

In most cases, this is not required, and only certified translation services are required. If you are not sure let us know and we will be happy to assist.

This is an additional step on top of a certified translation. After we translate and prepare the certified translation, it is taken to a Notary Public (or solicitor). The notary verifies the identity and credentials of our representative (or translator) and then witnesses the signing of the certification​. The notary then adds their notarial seal and signature to attest that the translation has been certified in their presence. This results in a document that has an extra level of authenticity. Notarised translations are sometimes required for foreign courts, some embassies, or certain legal processes. We commonly do notarised translations for things like powers of attorney, foreign visa applications, and any case where an official notarisation is explicitly requested.

Sworn Translations

Sworn translations are another type of translation certification. These methods confirm that the linguist has carried out the translation truthfully and the translator must do this in front of a solicitor or public notary.

Most of the time sworn translators are completed outside of the UK. In the UK officially approved language agencies such as Locate Translate are able to provide certified translation services.

In some countries (like Spain, France, Poland, etc.), there is the concept of a “sworn translator” – a translator who is certified by the government to translate and swear an oath of accuracy​. In the UK, we do not have sworn translators; instead we use the certified translation process described. If you’re dealing with a foreign country that asks for a “sworn translation,” what they often need is either a translation done by a translator sworn in their country or a UK certified translation plus notarisation. We can help interpret these requirements. If needed, we provide a statement that our translator is accredited, or we work with partner sworn translators in certain countries. But generally, for UK purposes, our certified translations suffice since the UK system relies on accredited agencies like us rather than sworn translators​