If an embassy, court, university, bank, or overseas authority has asked you for a “notarised translation,” it’s easy to overpay, do the wrong step first, or notarise the wrong item.
This guide shows you exactly how to translate and notarize a document, what the notary is actually confirming, and how to avoid delays—especially for high‑stakes documents like birth certificates and driving licences.
Fast track: If you already have the document and deadline, you can upload your file for a quote and we’ll confirm what level of certification you need before anything is issued.
Start here: Do you really need notarisation?
Many organisations use “notarised” as a catch‑all word for “official.” In practice, you may need one of these:
- Certified translation (most common): translation + signed Certificate of Accuracy.
- Notarised translation (extra step): a notary (or solicitor, in some cases) verifies the identity/signature of the translator who signed the certificate.
- Apostille / legalisation (for international use): the government authenticates the signature/seal on the document so it’s accepted abroad.
A simple rule that prevents 80% of problems:
Ask the receiving organisation what they want notarised—the original, a copy, the translator’s declaration, or the full translation pack—and whether they also require apostille/legalisation.
If you’re applying to a UK authority and they asked for a “notarised translation,” confirm whether a certified translation is sufficient. Notarisation is often unnecessary unless the recipient explicitly requests it.
What a notarised translation actually is (and what it isn’t)
A notarised translation is a certified translation package that includes a notarial act. In most cases, the notary is not grading your language skills.
What the notary usually confirms
- The identity of the person signing the translator’s declaration/certificate
- That the signature was made in their presence
- That the notary’s seal and registration details are valid
What the notary usually does not confirm
- That the translation is linguistically perfect (that’s why the translator’s certificate exists)
- That the document’s content is true (notarisation is about formal authenticity, not the facts inside)
If you need the notarised translation for overseas use, you may also need apostille/legalisation after notarisation. For help with the “what comes first” question, see what an apostille is and the difference between certified translations and apostilles.
The three-part checklist that prevents rejections
Before you pay anyone, confirm these three points (save or screenshot this):
- Destination & authority: Which country and which office will receive it?
- Required level: Certified only, notarised, apostilled, or attested?
- Format rules: Do they accept PDF, or do they need wet-ink signatures, bound packs, and originals?
If the authority can’t answer clearly, ask them to confirm the requirement in writing (even an email is enough). Then forward it to us—contact Locate Translate and we’ll match the output to their wording.
Step-by-step: How to translate and notarize a document
This is the standard workflow used for passports, certificates, licences, court papers, and academic documents.
Step 1: Prepare a clean copy (and check whether both sides matter)
Provide the clearest version you can:
- Scan or photo with good lighting
- Include both sides if there are stamps, notes, barcodes, or endorsements
- Include any attached pages (e.g., annexes, registration pages)
Pro tip: If your document includes stamps/seals, the translation should usually reflect them (often as descriptive notes). Missing stamp details is a common reason for “not accepted.”
Step 2: Get the translation done by a professional who can certify it
Notarisation relies on a proper certification statement. A high‑quality certified translation pack typically includes:
- The formatted translated document
- A signed Certificate of Accuracy
- Translator/agency identification and contact details
- Date of certification
For UK-ready formats that are widely accepted, start with certified translation services.
Step 3: Build the notarisation pack (what gets signed)
In most cases, the notary needs the translator to sign a declaration. A notarisation pack commonly includes:
- The certified translation and certificate
- A notarial certificate/witness page (issued by the notary)
- The notary’s seal/stamp and registration details
If you’re thinking: “Can I notarize a translated document?”—yes, but only if the notary is notarising the correct signature (usually the translator’s declaration) and the pack matches the recipient’s requirements.
Step 4: Notary appointment (in-person or remote, depending on jurisdiction)
The notary will verify identity and witness the signing. Expect:
- ID checks for the signer (translator or authorised representative)
- Signature witnessed and sealed
- Record/journal entry made by the notary
Step 5: If required, add apostille/legalisation for international use
If the document is going abroad, the receiving authority may request an apostille/legalisation after notarisation.
If your requirement includes apostille, we can guide the correct order and paperwork—start with apostille guidance.
Certified vs notarised vs apostilled: choose the right level
Use this quick comparison when you’re stuck.
| You were asked for… | What it usually means | Best starting point |
| Certified translation | Translation + Certificate of Accuracy | Certified translations |
| Notarised / notarized translation | Certified translation + notary verifies signature | Notarized translation services |
| Apostille / legalised documents | Government legalisation for overseas use | What is an apostille? |
| Attestation (UAE / Gulf) | Multi-step legalisation route | Certificate attestation (UAE) |
If you’re not sure, don’t guess. Upload the request wording and your document and we’ll map it correctly: get a quote.
Do translated documents need to be notarized?
Usually, no—unless the recipient specifically asks for notarisation.
Notarisation is common when:
- The translation will be used abroad and the receiving office wants a notarial seal
- A court/authority requires an added layer of formality
- The document is part of a chain that ends with apostille/legalisation
Notarisation is often not required when:
- You’re submitting to UK institutions that accept a certified translation
- The recipient only needs confirmation of accuracy (certificate + signature)
When in doubt, ask this exact question:
“Do you require a certified translation only, or must it be notarised (notarized) as well?”
Does a certified translation need to be notarized?
A certified translation is already an “official” format for many purposes. Notarisation is an additional step, not an upgrade that’s always needed.
If someone told you, “It must be notarised,” confirm:
- Are they asking for notarisation of the translator’s certificate?
- Or notarisation of a copy of the original?
- Or do they need apostille too?
Getting clarity here can save you days.
Can I translate and notarize a document myself?
Technically, you can translate anything—practically, self‑translation is often rejected for official use.
Reasons self‑translation fails:
- Authorities prefer an independent translator/agency
- Notaries generally notarise identity and signatures, not language accuracy
- You may not be able to produce the certification statement the recipient expects
If you need something accepted first time, use a service that issues the translation in a recognised format and can coordinate notarisation when required.
How to notarize a translated document (without the common mistakes)
If you only read one section, read this.
Mistake 1: Notarising the wrong thing
The most common failure is notarising a copy of the original when the recipient wanted a notarised translator declaration (or vice versa).
Fix: Match the notarisation target to the wording in the requirement letter.
Mistake 2: Missing stamps, endorsements, or reverse side text
Small notes and stamps can be legally important.
Fix: Provide full scans and ensure stamps/seals are represented in the translation.
Mistake 3: Name mismatches across documents
Even one letter difference can trigger rejection.
Fix: Keep spellings consistent with passports/IDs, and flag any variations before the translation is finalised.
Mistake 4: Wrong order (apostille vs notarisation)
The order matters for international acceptance.
Fix: Confirm the chain early. If you have apostille/legalisation in the requirement, start with apostille guidance.
Document-specific walkthroughs
Where to get birth certificate translated and notarized (near me)
If you searched “where to get birth certificate translated and notarized near me”, here’s what to do:
- Confirm whether the recipient needs notarised or only certified.
- Prepare a clean scan of the certificate (all stamps/registrar notes included).
- Request a certified translation first, then add notarisation only if required.
For birth certificates, start here: birth certificate translation.
If you’re outside London, you can still handle the process remotely—most steps can be completed with digital copies, and delivery can be arranged when physical packs are required.
How to get a notarized translation of a driver’s license
A driving licence often needs a certified translation for DVLA-related uses, insurance, employers, or rentals. Notarisation is typically only required if an overseas authority requests it.
Follow the DVLA-ready approach here: certified translation of your driving licence.
What affects turnaround time and cost?
Every case is different, but these are the factors that usually determine cost and timeline:
- Language pair and complexity (legal terminology, handwritten notes)
- Page count and formatting needs
- Urgency (standard vs same‑day options)
- Whether you need notarisation and/or apostille
For reference, certified translations start from £25 per page, and pricing depends on the document type, language, and deadline. You can request a fixed price upfront here: get a quote.
What you should receive at the end (acceptance checklist)
Before you submit your pack, check you have:
- ✅ The translated document in a clean, official format
- ✅ A signed Certificate of Accuracy (with date and contact details)
- ✅ Notarial certificate/seal (only if required)
- ✅ Any additional legalisation/apostille (only if required)
- ✅ Consistent names, dates, and reference numbers across all pages
If you’re unsure, send the submission requirements and your draft pack to Locate Translate—it’s far easier to fix before you submit than after a rejection.
FAQs
Do translated documents need to be notarized?
Not usually. Most organisations accept a certified translation unless they explicitly request notarisation. Always check the recipient’s wording.
Does a certified translation need to be notarized?
A certified translation does not automatically need notarisation. Notarisation is an extra step used when the receiving office requires a notarial seal or signature authentication.
Can I notarize a translated document?
Yes—when the notary is notarising the correct signature (typically the translator’s certification/declaration) and the full pack matches the receiving authority’s requirements.
Can I translate and notarize a document myself?
Self‑translation is commonly rejected for official purposes. Most authorities prefer an independent translator/agency that can certify the translation, and notarisation (if needed) is performed around that certification.
Where to get birth certificate translated and notarized near me?
Start with a certified translation provider that can also arrange notarisation if required. If you’re in the UK, you can begin online with birth certificate translation and only add notarisation if the recipient demands it.
How to get a notarized translation of driver’s license?
Get a certified translation first, then add notarisation only if an overseas authority specifically requests it. For UK use, follow this driving licence translation guide.