A certified translation in the UK is the translation of a document or certificate (such as birth, marriage, divorce, death, degree certificate) which is required for official use. It is translated by a qualified certified translation entity who attests that the translation is complete and accurate and stamps the translation. The process of certification of a translation involves a declaration of accuracy which is attached to the stamped certified translation and a copy of the original document (sometimes the original document or certified true copy of original document is also stamped and attached).

A certified translation in the UK is sometimes also called an official translation, legal translation, sworn translation, notarised translation, authorised translation or legalised (Apostilled) translation. How a certified translation is called is not as important as the 'level' of translation certification required and we explain in a comprehensive manner the levels of certification that are usually required in the UK (see 'Certification Types').

The certification of the translation usually has four levels of certification, depending on how the certified translation will be used and to whom it will be submitted. The translation can be either simply certified by the translator, sworn in front of a person of legal standing (usually a solicitor), notarised (by a notary public) and legalised (apostille) by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

CertifiedUK translation provides all four levels of certification for all languages and all types of documents.