CERTIFIED TRANSLATION SERVICES

Documents issued in a language other than English to be used for official purposes in the UK often require a certified translation. This involves the translator attaching a written statement to your translation which contains a statement confirming that the translation is a ‘true and accurate translation of the original document’, as well as the full name and contact details of the translator.

Our CIOL certified translation services are accepted by the UK Home Office, HM Courts & Tribunals, HM Passport Office, UK NARIC, the DVLA, the GMC, the GDC and academic institutions, to give just a few examples.

DO I NEED CERTIFIED TRANSLATION SERVICES?

Unlike many countries in the EU, the UK does not have a system of sworn translators. Instead, translations required for official purposes are certified by a translator belonging to a professional translation body. At British Translators, we are a full member and Chartered Linguist of the UK’s leading translation body, the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL).

All our certified translators are native English speakers, meaning premium-quality and highly-accurate translations.

FAQs

What differentiates a certified translation from a non-certified translation?

A certified translation includes a signed statement attesting to the accuracy of the translation. This contains our professional credentials (as a Chartered Linguist) and full details. We also sign each page of the source document and translation.

Will you send me a PDF or hard copy?

Both. We’ll send you the signed PDF and then the hard copy by post.

Are postage costs included in the price?

Yes, we include postage within the UK at no extra cost. We send all certified translations using the Royal Mail Tracked 24® service. This ensures your translation is with you the next working day. No matter where, you are in the UK, be it Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or London, postage is completely free of charge.

If I’m outside the UK, can you post my certified translation directly to the organisation that has requested it?

Yes, of course. We regularly post certified translations directly to organisations such as the Passport Office. This means your documents arrive sooner and is much more convenient for clients who are based outside the UK.

What if I’m not sure I need a certified translation?

In this case, your best option is to check with the organisation you will be submitting the document to. If English is an issue, we can call them for you at a small cost.

What does a certified translation cost?

This depends on the length of the document. Just send it through to us and we’ll send you a quote (we aim to answer emails within 30 minutes). Our clients regularly comment that our prices are extremely competitive.

What is the turn-around time for a certified translation?

Documents such as academic certificates, marriage certificates and driving licences can often be delivered the same or next day.

What if I need an urgent certified translation?

We offer same-day and weekend services to ensure you get your certified translation when you need it. We recommend you send us a text or WhatsApp message if you need it on a Saturday or Sunday.

How can I check your credentials?

By going to the Chartered Institute of Linguists: http://www.ciol.org.uk/member-check/profile/50052/20642.