Certified, Notarised or Apostille? What You Actually Need (and Why It Matters)
Key Takeaways
- Certified translation = translator's signed statement of accuracy. Required for most UK official submissions.
- Notarised translation = certified translation + a notary public verifying the translator's identity. Needed for courts, some embassies, and foreign government filings.
- Apostille = a government certificate (issued by the FCDO) authenticating a notarised document for use in Hague Convention member countries.
- Most UKVI applications require certified translation only — not notarised.
- If you're unsure which one you need, the institution requesting the document is always the right place to check.
These three terms cause more confusion than almost anything else in document translation. People use them interchangeably. Institutions sometimes list different requirements on the same page. And getting it wrong can mean a rejected application or a delayed submission.
This article sets out exactly what each type means, when each is required, and how to avoid paying for more than you need.
Table of contents
- What is a certified translation?
- What is a notarised translation?
- What is an apostille translation?
- Certified vs notarised vs apostille: a quick comparison
- Which one do you need?
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How Global LTS can help
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator (or the translation agency) confirming that the translation is complete, accurate, and a true reflection of the original document.
The certification typically includes:
- The translator's full name and contact details
- A declaration that the translation is accurate and complete
- The translator's signature and the date
Certified translations are the standard requirement for most official UK submissions. UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), the Home Office, UK universities, and most solicitors accept certified translations for documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, and financial records.
Certified translation does not require a notary public. The translator provides the certification themselves.
What is a notarised translation?
A notarised translation goes one step further than certified translation. Once the translator has completed and certified the translation, the document is taken to a notary public — a legally appointed official — who:
- Verifies the identity of the translator
- Witnesses the signing of the certification statement
- Stamps and signs the document to officially notarise it
The notary's involvement adds a legal layer of authentication. It confirms not just that the translation is accurate, but that the person who certified it is who they say they are.
Notarised translations are typically required for:
- Documents submitted to courts and tribunals
- Some foreign embassy applications
- Certain Companies House filings involving foreign entities
- Business contracts in some international jurisdictions
Notarisation costs more than standard certified translation because it involves an additional professional (the notary public) and a separate appointment.
What is an apostille translation?
An apostille is a certificate issued by a government authority that authenticates the seal or signature of a notarised document, making it legally recognised in other countries.
In the UK, apostilles are issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The apostille does not verify the content of the translation — it verifies that the notary who signed it is genuine and authorised.
Apostilles are relevant when a UK document needs to be used in a country that is a signatory to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. Over 120 countries are members, including most of Europe, the US, and Australia.
The process typically works like this:
- Document is translated by a professional translator
- Translation is certified by the translator
- Translation is notarised by a notary public
- The notarised document is submitted to the FCDO for an apostille
Not all countries accept apostilles — some require full legalisation through their embassy instead. Always confirm the specific requirement with the receiving country's authorities before ordering.
Certified vs notarised vs apostille: a quick comparison
| Certified | Notarised | Apostille | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Professional translator | Notary public | FCDO (UK government) |
| What it confirms | Translation accuracy | Translator's identity and signature | Notary's authority (for international use) |
| Required for | UKVI, UK universities, most official UK submissions | Courts, some embassies, foreign government filings | Use in Hague Convention member countries |
| Typical cost | £30–£60 per page | £90–£150+ | £30–£60 (FCDO fee) + notarisation cost |
| Turnaround | 1–5 working days | 3–7 working days | 5–10 working days (total) |
Which one do you need?
If you're submitting to UKVI or the Home Office: certified translation is almost always sufficient. UKVI guidelines require a "full certified translation" — they do not require notarisation. See our full guide on notarised translation for UKVI for a detailed breakdown.
If you're submitting to a UK court or tribunal: notarised translation is usually required. Check with your solicitor or the court directly.
If your document will be used abroad: check whether the destination country requires an apostille. If it does, you'll need notarisation first, then an FCDO apostille on top.
If you're unsure: contact the institution requesting the document and ask specifically which type of translation certification they require. Don't assume — requirements vary significantly between organisations.
Common mistakes to avoid
Paying for notarisation when you only need certified translation. UKVI does not require notarisation. Ordering it anyway adds cost and time with no benefit. Read our guide on notarised translation costs in the UK to understand what you should expect to pay.
Assuming apostille means the translation is accepted everywhere. Apostilles only work in Hague Convention member countries. Some countries require legalisation instead, which is a different process.
Using a bilingual friend or unqualified translator. Even if the translation is accurate, it won't be accepted without a proper certification statement from a qualified professional.
Not checking whether the original document also needs an apostille. Sometimes the original document needs to be apostilled separately from the translation. The requirement varies by institution and country.
How Global LTS can help
At Global LTS, we provide certified, notarised, and apostille translation services across 120+ languages. Our translators are qualified professionals, and every translation comes with a signed certification statement meeting UK official requirements.
If you need notarisation or apostille certification, we manage the full process — including coordination with a notary public and the FCDO — so you don't have to navigate it alone.
Not sure which type you need? Contact us and we'll advise before you order.
