Notarised translation & document legalisation
Notarised Translation Services for UK and Overseas Use
If a document is being used abroad, the translation may need more than a standard certification. The right route depends on the receiving authority, destination country and the exact wording of their requirements.
Send us the document, destination country and receiving authority. We’ll confirm whether the project needs certified translation, notarisation, apostille/legalisation, or a combination.
Route check
Not sure which stage you need?
Send the destination country and the receiving authority’s wording. We’ll map the request to certification, notarisation, apostille/legalisation, or the relevant combination before you proceed.
Which legalisation route do you actually need?
Start with the receiving body’s instructions. The three stages below are different services and should not be treated as interchangeable.
01
Certified translation
A translated document supplied with a signed certification confirming the translation is complete and accurate. This is often the first stage and may be all that is required.
Choose this when: the receiving body asks for a certified translation but does not request a notary or apostille.
02
Notarised translation
The certification or related declaration is signed or attested before a UK notary, who completes the relevant notarial act.
Choose this when: the authority specifically asks for notarisation, a notarial certificate or a notary public.
03
Apostille / legalisation
An apostille or other legalisation step authenticates the relevant UK signature or seal for use overseas. The exact route depends on the destination country and document type.
Choose this when: the receiving authority requires an apostille, legalisation or additional consular authentication.
Tell us where the document is going
The destination country and receiving authority usually determine the correct route more than the document name itself.
Please send any written instructions from the embassy, court, university, solicitor, company, overseas authority or other recipient. If they use wording such as notarised, apostilled, legalised, authenticated or certified by a notary, include that wording with your enquiry.
We do not assume that every overseas document needs notarisation or apostille. Where the instructions only require certification, the simpler route may be sufficient.
What to send
You do not need to work out the legalisation route yourself before contacting us. Send the document plus the destination details and any instructions from the receiving authority. We can then identify whether the request points to certification only, notarisation, apostille/legalisation, or a combination of steps.
- Clear scan or photograph of the full document
- Source language and required target language
- Destination country
- Name of the receiving authority or organisation
- Any written certification, notarisation or apostille instructions
- Your required deadline
- Whether a hard-copy document is required
If an original document or wet signature is needed for a later stage, we will flag that before the project proceeds.
How the process works
01
Send the documents
Upload your files and tell us where they will be used.
02
Confirm the route
We review the recipient’s instructions and confirm certification, notarisation and any legalisation steps.
03
Translate & prepare
The translation and certification documents are prepared for the agreed route.
04
Notarise / legalise
Where required, the notarial and legalisation stages are coordinated before final delivery.
Turnaround
Turnaround depends on the language pair, document length and whether additional stages are required.
A certified translation can usually move ahead once the scope is agreed. Notarisation adds scheduling and document-preparation time. Apostille or consular legalisation adds a further external processing stage.
We confirm the expected timeline before you proceed so you know which part relates to translation, notary coordination and legalisation.
Hard-copy delivery
If the receiving body requires an original signed or notarised hard copy, tell us at quote stage so the correct delivery arrangement can be included.
Frequently asked questions
Is a notarised translation always required for overseas use?
No. It depends on the receiving authority. Some only request a certified translation, while others specify notarisation, apostille or further legalisation.
Is an apostille the same as notarisation?
No. They are separate stages. Notarisation involves a notary. An apostille or other legalisation step authenticates the relevant UK signature or seal for use abroad.
Can I send scans first?
Yes. Send clear scans for the initial review. We will tell you if originals are required for any later stage.
Can you tell me which route the authority needs?
Send the recipient’s written instructions and we can map the project to the requested certification and legalisation steps. Final acceptance requirements remain with the receiving authority.
Upload documents for a legalisation quote
Include the destination country, receiving authority, source/target language and any instructions mentioning certification, notarisation, apostille or legalisation.