Notarised Translation Services UK
Need a translated document notarised for use in the UK or overseas? We coordinate the translation, certification and notarial stages required by the receiving authority, with any apostille or additional legalisation agreed separately.
What is a notarised translation?
A notarised translation is different from an ordinary certified translation. Our guide to sworn versus certified translation explains when a legally appointed translator is needed as a separate requirement. The translation is prepared and certified, and the relevant declaration or signature is then dealt with through the notarial process required by the receiving authority. For a practical distinction between notarisation, UK apostilles and UAE embassy attestation, see our document attestation FAQs.
Certified translation
Use this when the receiving organisation asks for a certified translation and does not require a notarial act.
Certified translation →Notarised translation
Use this page when the authority specifically asks for a notarised, notary-certified or notarial translation.
Start a notarised translation →Apostille or legalisation
If an apostille or legalisation is also required, that is a separate stage and should be confirmed before the document package is prepared. See our legalised translation services for guidance on coordinating the necessary stages.
UK apostille service →Solicitor and notary public are not the same role
Notary public
In England and Wales, a notary public is a separately regulated legal professional who can carry out notarial acts for documents, particularly where they are intended for use abroad.
Official profession information →Solicitor who is also a notary
Some notaries are also solicitors, but a solicitor is not automatically authorised to act as a notary public. If the receiving authority says “notary”, check that the person is actually qualified as a notary.
GOV.UK notary guidance →Solicitor certification
For simple certified copies, a solicitor may be acceptable. For a true notarial act, use a qualified notary public. Always follow the receiving authority’s wording.
Document certification guidance →Need notary services near you?
If your documents must be notarised, confirm whether the receiving authority needs a UK notary public, a solicitor-certified copy or an official in another jurisdiction. They are not automatically interchangeable.
Qualified UK notaries
Use the official guidance to locate an appropriately authorised notary. Confirm whether the notary must examine an original or witness a signature.
Find a notary: GOV.UK →Solicitor-certified copies
A solicitor may be suitable where a true copy or signature certification is requested, but this is not necessarily a notarial act.
Document certification guidance →Notarised translation in London
For London or other UK requests, share the destination country and type of notarial step required before arranging the document and delivery.
London translation options →How a notarised translation project is handled
1. Check the requirement
Send the document and any wording from the authority so we can distinguish certified translation from notarisation, apostille or legalisation.
2. Translate and review
The source text is translated and checked before the notarial stage is arranged.
3. Complete the notarial stage
The declaration, signature or document package is handled in line with the notarial requirement that applies.
4. Add legalisation if needed
If the destination authority also requires an apostille or another legalisation step, that should be treated as a separate stage.
Notarised translation for official documents
Birth and marriage certificates
Where a foreign authority requires a translated certificate plus a specific form of notarisation.
Powers of attorney
Often used abroad and may have separate signing, notarisation and legalisation requirements.
Academic documents
Degrees, diplomas and transcripts where the receiving institution specifies a notarial route.
Company and legal documents
Corporate documents, declarations and legal paperwork where translation and notarisation need to be coordinated.
Need same-day notary services?
Availability depends on the notary, the document, whether you must attend in person, identity checks, signing requirements and whether translation or legalisation is also needed. If the deadline is urgent, send the complete document and requirement first so the realistic route can be confirmed rather than assuming same-day completion.
Notarised translation and notary FAQs
Can a solicitor act as a notary public?
Only if they are also separately qualified as a notary. In England and Wales, being a solicitor by itself does not authorise a person to carry out notarial acts.
Where can I get notary services near me?
Use the relevant official notary-finding route and check that the professional is qualified for the notarial act you need. If your project also needs translation, send the documents and recipient instructions so the translation stage can be coordinated correctly.
Do I need a notary or just a solicitor to sign my document?
That depends on the receiving authority. Some situations accept a solicitor-certified copy; others specifically require a notary public. Follow the exact wording you were given.
Can you provide a notarized translation?
Yes, where notarisation is required as part of the translation route. UK pages use the spelling “notarised”; “notarized translation” is the common US spelling of the same general concept.
Is notarised translation the same as apostille?
No. Notarisation and apostille/legalisation are separate stages. A document may require one, both or neither depending on the receiving authority.
Can a notary service be completed the same day?
Sometimes, but availability depends on the notary and the document requirements. Same-day completion should be confirmed before relying on it.
Send the document before choosing the certification route
Share the source document, destination country and the exact wording from the receiving authority so the correct translation, notarial and legalisation stages can be identified.