Certified Translation Services in the UK – Fast, Accurate & Official
100% accepted by UK authorities | 30+ languages | 1-day standard turnaround | £25/page rates
Are you looking for certified translation services for your non-English documents? At Locate Translate, we offer high-quality, affordable certified document translations starting from £25.00 per page. In the United Kingdom, certified translation means that an accredited language service provider (LSP), such as Locate Translate, a well-known translation company in the United Kingdom, certifies the accuracy of the translated document.
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Trusted by businesses across all industries
30 + Languages, Home Office & UKVI Accepted, Statement of Truth Included
We provide premium-quality certified document translations customised for businesses and individuals in the UK. If you’ve recently moved to the UK or need official document translation services for work, immigration, or legal purposes, we’re here to help. With over 30 languages supported, our certified translations are legally recognised and come with an authenticity certificate, so they are guaranteed to be accepted by major UK institutions like the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration, HM Passport Office, courts, universities, and more.
Each translated document is carefully handled by experienced linguists and then reviewed for quality. We then attach an official certification stamp and statement of truth, declaring the translation is a “true and accurate translation of the original document”. With Locate Translate, you can rest assured that your translations will be fast, accurate, and compliant with all requirements for official use.
We offer fast, accurate, and affordable document translation services for immigration near you, as well as translation services for medical documents!
TL;DR
Why Choose Locate Translate for Certified Translations?
UK-Accredited & Trusted
We are an officially registered translation agency approved to provide certified translations. Our team has been trusted by global corporations and individuals for accurate certified translations, and we adhere to strict industry standards (including ISO-certified quality processes)
Qualified Native Translators
Your documents are translated by native-speaking, professionally qualified certified translators (UK-based linguists) with expertise in the relevant subject matter. We only use vetted linguists (many members of professional bodies like CIOL or ITI) to ensure accuracy and nuanced translation in legal, medical, technical, or financial contexts. Every translation is double-checked by a second linguist for quality control before certification.
Affordable Pricing & Free Quotes
Locate Translate offers competitive rates for certified translations – often lower than large agencies – with no hidden fees. Pricing can be per word or per document, and we’ll advise the most cost-effective option. Get a free quote within minutes by sending us your document – no obligation, and we respond typically within 15 minutes with a firm quote.
Secure & Confidential
Your documents are handled with the utmost confidentiality. We follow strict data security protocols and all team members are bound by NDAs. We have experience working with sensitive legal and medical files, and our ISO 9001 certified processes ensure quality and data security at every step.
Home Office & Gov Approved
Our certified documents meet all UK government requirements – including a signed translator declaration, date, and our contact details – ensuring acceptance by the Home Office, courts, DVLA, Passport Office, UK NARIC/ENIC, and other authorities. We guarantee 100% acceptance for all translations we certify in the UK.
Fast Turnaround – Same Day Available
We know official documents are often needed urgently. Our standard turnaround is 1 working day for short documents, and we even offer same-day or 24-hour certified translations for urgent requests. Even with rush service, we never compromise on quality or accuracy.
Comprehensive Services (Notarisation/Apostille)
Need additional legalisation? We can handle notarised translations (with a UK notary public’s stamp) and Apostille services for use abroad. If your translated documents must be presented overseas, we’ll arrange for FCO Apostille legalisation, so they are valid in all countries party to the Hague Convention. You get a one-stop solution from translation to final legalisation.
Friendly Support & Easy Process
Our customer support team is here to help 24/7. You can talk to us via phone, email, or WhatsApp for any questions. We guide you through the process – from initial document submission to receiving your certified translation – making it simple and stress-free.
Every certified translation services by Locate Translate comes with a certificate of authenticity, ensuring acceptance by major UK authorities, including the Home Office and UK Passport Office.
Certified Document Translations Include:
* Fully certified, accredited, and recognised all over the world
* Our certified document translation services are accepted by government bodies such as the Home Office, Courts of law, DVLA and many other organisations both public and private
* We offer competitive pricing for all of our translation services online whichever language you require.
Official Document Translation Services
We meet all client requirements for certified and legalized translations. Locate Translate guarantees professional, confidential, and accurate certified English translations for any non-English document.
If your documents require an Apostille translation, they must be stamped or sealed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), certifying their validity for use abroad.
We can arrange translated documents to be Apostilled by the FCO and have your documents delivered back to you.
What Does Certification State?
Each certified document includes a statement verifying it as a “true and accurate translation of the original document,” along with the date of translation. Our certification stamp includes Locate Translate’s official contact details, confirming our agency’s approval.
What Does the Certified Translation Services Cover?
At Locate Translate, we provide certification for a wide range of documents. Our daily certifications include personal documents, official certificates, diplomas, passports, IDs, legal files, corporate documents, and government paperwork.
Certified Translation Services for Documents, Online!
- Certified Birth Certificate Translation
- Certified Marriage Certificate Translation
- Divorce Certificate Translation
- Certified Death Certificate Translation
- Medical Report Translation
- Police Record Translation
- Driving License Translation
- Bank Statement Translation
- Insurance Claim Translation
- Certified Translation Services for Official UK use
- Certified Translation in London
- Certified Translation in Leicester
Each authenticity certificate is issued and signed on our official letterhead, accompanying the certified translation. Our certified stamp confirms that the translations and transcriptions will be accepted by government agencies all over the world. Contact now for translation documents services.
At Locate Translate, we adhere to ISO quality management standards, ensuring every translation meets the highest accuracy and professionalism.
All of our linguists are native speakers of the language and specialised in niche areas. To ensure exact and accurate translations every time. Locate Translate also provides NARIC translation for documents.
English Certified Translation
As a leading language service provider, Locate Translate offers quick, accurate, and reliable certified translations for certificates and official documents into English. We deliver one of the fastest turnarounds in the industry and can provide same-day or weekend services for urgent and cheap certified English translations of non-English documents, for example if your document needs to be translated from Spanish to English UK.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation of an official or legal document, completed by a qualified translator or translation company, accompanied by a signed statement attesting that the translation is true, complete, and accurate to the original. In the United Kingdom, a certified translation typically includes:
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A declaration by the translator or agency that it is a “true and accurate translation of the original document.”
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The date of the translation.
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The full name and signature of the translator or an authorised representative of the translation company.
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The translator or agency’s contact details (address, phone or email).
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An official stamp or seal of the translation agency.
This certification is usually provided on company letterhead with an official stamp and signature, often called a Certificate of Translation Accuracy. The certified translation’s purpose is to give the translated document legal credibility for it to be accepted by authorities. Once certified, the translation carries the same legal weight as the original document for the purposes it’s required.
Note: In the UK, there is no government “sworn translator” system as in some other countries. Instead, translations must be certified by an accredited agency or qualified translator. Locate Translate, as an accredited LSP, is authorised to certify translations, and our certified stamp confirms the translation meets UK legal standards. If needed, we also facilitate notarisation or Apostille for extra layers of certification (see Notarised vs Apostille vs Certified below).
When are Certified English Translations of Non-English Documents Required?
If you have an official document or a document that you will submit then to a government agency that is not in English you are likely to need them to be translated and certified.
You will also need a certified translated document if you are going to be using documents for legal purposes.
What is Considered "Certified"?
A translation is deemed “certified” where it was completed in one of the following situations:
1. The document has been translated and certified by an approved language translation provider.
2. The document has been translated by a “sworn translator” (only relevant for outside of the UK).
3. It is certified in front of a legal solicitor.
Legalised, Sworn or Certified Translations
Locate Translate is officially accredited and approved to provide legally recognised certified translations. We provide our certification stamp of authenticity of the official translated document. We only work with approved linguists who are native speakers and therefore our translations are always 100% correct. Our translators have first-hand experience in specific industry niches such as Legal, Luxury goods, Medical, and Marketing.
Translated and Certified by Native Language Experts
As a translation agency based in London, we are able to recruit the best linguist talent. We provide expert translation services for a variety of matters whether it’s legal documents needing to be translated for government bodies or translated documents for the Home Office.
All of our certified translations are accompanied by a legal stamp of authentication confirming the accuracy and reliability of the translated text. Not all agencies are able to undertake certified translation and care should be taken when seeking document certification. Our linguists undergo rigorous checks to ensure that they are suitably qualified to translate for us.
Who Can Officially Certify my Translation?
In order for certified documents to be recognised, they need to be translated and certified by the same approved translation agency.
Many people think that simply being able to speak two languages fluently will allow them to translate and certify documents. However, this is not the case.
As an officially registered translation agency, we are able to translate and certify documents for our clients.
Certified Translation Services in the UK
The Locate Translate team offers fast, reliable, and accurate certified English translations service to all of our clients. As an approved and officially recognised translation agency we have been trusted to certify documents for global corporations as well as individuals.
Because we have an in-house institute of translation team, we are able to offer super-fast turnaround times for translations and deliver on short deadlines. In addition, all translations are completed by native linguists with niche industry experience. All of our translations are officially and legally recognised around the world. We provide all of this at competitive rates without compromising quality.
Examples Include Our Certified Document Translations In Following Languages:
How Long Does a Certified Translation Take?
Our standard certified translation services will take one working day. However, if your document contains a large word count this may take longer.
We are also able to provide same-day certified document translation services for individuals who need documents translated urgently. Therefore if you also need the translation to be notarized as well as certified this may take longer.
I Am Not Sure What I Need to Do
At Locate Translate we have a team of experienced and friendly staff who are able to assist with all types of translations services.
Contact us by email at hello@locatetranslate.co.uk or call us on 0208 609 4852 to have a chat. After you speak to one of our staff, we would be able to assist in helping you choose which type of translation you need.
What is Our Translation and Certification Process?
We follow a very straightforward procedure with strict quality procedures in place.
Once you have sent over the document you need to be translated an experienced project manager will contact you to confirm the details and deadline. Once this is confirmed with you they will assign this to the correct language translator.
We cover over 30+ languages so we are always able to help our clients. The expert translator will then start to translate the document, once finished this then goes to another professional linguist for quality control.
This ensures that the certified translation you are receiving is 100% accurate. Once it has been approved by the second linguist it is sent back to the project manager who will certify the document and provide the stamp of authenticity and certification.
What Does Our Certified Translation Services Cover?
- Birth Certificate Translation
- Marriage Certificate Translation
- Death Certificate Translation
- Divorce Certificate Translation
- Academic Certificate Translation
- Driver’s License Translation
- Insurance Documents Translation
- Adoption Papers Translation
- Medical Report Translation
- Immigration Documents Translation
- Passport Translations
- Many other types of documents
Do I Need Certified Translation Services?
There are a number of reasons as to why you may need a document to be officially translated and certified. Generally any document that needs to be translated will be used for legal purposes and will therefore have to be certified.
For instance, the types of documents that normally require certification include birth certificate, marriage certificates or documents intended for official use, such as contracts or patents.
Our fully complaint translation service includes a declaration by Locate Translate and our accreditation to translate and certify the document. We confirm that the translation is a true, accurate and professional translation of the original document and include our London headquarters contact details as required by law. The certification stamp also include the original signature of the approved project manager who was responsible and handled the translation project.
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
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get a Certified Translation Done?
We have made our certified translation services requests as simple as possible for all of our customers. All you need to do is scan your document or take a good quality photo of the document and upload it on the contact us page.
Alternatively, you can send an email to hello@locatetranslate.co.uk with your request and attaching your document. You will receive a response from our team within 15 minutes with a quote for the certified translation.
How long does a certified translation take?
Our standard turnaround is 1 working day for most single-document translations. For example, a birth certificate or diploma sent in the morning is often translated and certified by the next day (if not sooner). Larger documents or multiple files may take 2-3 days. If you have an urgent deadline, we offer same-day service – in many cases we can deliver within a few hours, especially for short documents. We also have a weekend team for urgent needs that fall on Saturdays or Sundays. During the quote process, we’ll tell you exactly how fast we can have it ready. We pride ourselves on speed and reliability, so you can meet your submission deadlines.
How much does a certified translation cost?
The cost depends on factors like the length of your document (word count), the complexity of the content, and if any additional certification (notary, Apostille) is required. We keep our pricing transparent and competitive. Generally, we charge either per word or a flat rate per document for common documents. For instance, straightforward civil documents (birth, marriage certificates, etc.) often have flat rates starting around £25 per page, while longer or technical documents are per-word. Notarisation and Apostille services have additional fixed fees (which we pass on at cost from notaries/FCDO). We will always provide a free quote upfront, so you know the price before proceeding. There are no hidden fees – your quote covers the translation, certification, and digital delivery. Hard copy postage or notarisation, if needed, will be itemised. Our goal is to offer affordable certified translations without compromising on quality.
What’s the difference between certified, notarized, and apostilled translations?
- Certified Translations: These are completed by an approved language service provider, like Locate Translate, and include a certification stamp verifying the document’s accuracy.
- Notarized Translations: For added legal assurance, a notarized translation is signed by a solicitor or public notary. This service may be required for certain legal documents.
- Apostilled Translations: Documents needing international recognition can be apostilled by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a requirement for documents intended for countries under the Hague Convention.
What types of documents require certified translation services?
Certified translations are commonly required for:
- Legal Documents: Contracts, court orders, and affidavits
- Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas
- Business Documents: Annual reports, business licenses
- Medical Documents: Medical reports, insurance claims
Do I need a certified translator for translating documents to English?
Yes, if your document is for legal, immigration, academic, or official purposes, it must be translated by a certified translator or an accredited agency to ensure accuracy and acceptance.
Can I translate my own documents into English for official use?
No, most government agencies, embassies, and legal institutions do not accept self-translated documents. They require a certified, notarized, or officially stamped translation for legal validity.
Email Us
Have a Question Or Need a Quote?
Email Us – hello@locatetranslate.co.uk
Or Call us 0208 609 4852