People who only live for a short time in the UK and need different documents translated for various reasons have many questions regarding UK-certified translation services, one of them being if you need the authentic file for such a transcription. The answer is not always no. You only need a well-made copy of the documents to make the translation. That does not mean this is valid in all situations, and you do not need the authentic document for a specific reason. You must send the translator a copy of reasonable quality.

Usually, translators contact their clients to clarify certain sections if necessary. However, if the text is illegible, it will be mentioned as such in the translation. Legalized/authorized translation in Great Britain is a speculative term compared to other countries, where it is used for official transcriptions. In UK is 'certified transcription' and is what most UK institutions and authorities require for applications. If you want some documents translated, the best option is sending the translator the scanned document or legible picture - front and back, by email.

Are UK-Certified Translation Services Sufficient?

It depends if the translation is for a UK or some other institution from another country. UK-certified translation services offer transcriptions that meet the requirements of British organizations like consulates (British consulates/embassies worldwide), insurance companies, academia, educational institutions, banks and passport agencies. Notarization requirements vary by institution; therefore, if you want any clarification about what type of transcription you need, it's best to ask the institution that manages these things. If you need to submit a file to a Court in the UK, you previously needed to have the translation legalized by a lawyer.

However, rules are different now; a translator can now sign a regulated declaration within translations. If you need the transcription in another country and not in the UK, the original document and the translation may need to be notarized. In the translator's experience, most of the orders they receive - the vast majority of legal nature (declarations for border crossing, birth, marriage, death, divorce decrees, etc.) - need notarization and not just certification to be used by the other country authorities. The steps for obtaining an authorized translation are mostly the same.

The original document issued by a foreign country for the UK Authority must be legalized first – this is done by obtaining an apostille. The original document, once legalized, is translated and certified by an authorized translator. Careful: The translator for organizations in some countries does not legalize; it is authorized to issue *certified translations for the legal, medical, etc. field. – he only certifies. UK-certified translation services mean that the translator has declared conformity on the translated document, with its identification data + signature and stamp. The transcription is legalized by the consulate in Great Britain / notary/lawyer to be recognized.

How Long Does it Take to Translate a Document?

Usually, it takes between 2 and 3 working days to issue the specimen. You must also factor in an additional mailing time of 1-2 business days. The request for urgent documents (under 24 hours) is considered case-by-case. An express service fee will be charged if an express service is agreed upon. Translators will give you an estimated delivery time with each quote issued. The minimum requirements in Great Britain are as follows: a declaration has to certify that the transcription has been carried out by translator or a company that are qualified and accredited.

It must be attached/included in the transcribed filed, which translators will do for you. For UK-certified translation services for documents that need to be sent foreign – (European countries or not), sometimes the declaration must be signed in the presence while a public notary is present. If you need the translator's presence as a translator to the notary/lawyer, please mention it in the request, and that service will be agreed upon and included in the price request. No matter what documents you need to transcribe, ask for all the details regarding the process.

Can Wrong Translations Be Modified?

If your name is listed incorrectly in the original document, the translator cannot correct it. The document must be accurately translated. If, unfortunately, there are many cases when the original file is written wrong, then those who issued the original document must redo it and give you a corrected one. People who offer online transcription services do it to save some time, but also money, plus offer the service across the UK/Globally, not just locally. Who has time these days to physically travel looking for such services? It is much easier to email the translator the document needed.

Those offering UK certified translation services online, usually do not deliver your documents themselves. But if you insist, you can receive the translated documents through Royal Mail. Also, if you live in the same area or somewhere close to the translator and prefer to get it personally, you can collect the translated documents in person. The collection address is communicated after the transcript sample is confirmed. If the documents are delivered to your home or a specified address, the service used will be Special Delivery with Royal Mail and will be mentioned in the quote.

Why Don't Translators Offer Legalization Services?

The UK translation "market" is unregulated compared to other countries. Therefore, there are different options to legalize/apostille your documents, if necessary for your case. An apostille can be obtained through the gov.uk website, private companies authorized for urgent legalization, notaries public or lawyers. Therefore, it is outside the service area offered. Translators can recommend the usual type of translation to obtain the apostille. Still, the applicant should purchase the apostille/legalization by the preferred means.

Another frequent question for UK-certified translation services is if they must travel with the child without a partner, do they need the partner's statement partners? Yes. It isn't easy. If you go to Romania, for example, from the UK, it is not a problem, but when you return, you need proof that the other parent has agreed for the minor to cross the border, so you need to have a legalized translation. The principle is that if it is a listed document on the embassy website that needs to be translated, it will be necessary to legalize the translation itself.

Publication: 20 November 7:41