Visa and residency matters
Passport, ID and residence-document translations for visa, settlement, citizenship and other immigration-related submissions.
Official identity document translation
Certified Passport Translation and ID Translation for Official Use
Send a clear copy of your passport, national ID card, residence permit or related identity document for a certified translation prepared for visa, immigration, employment, university, banking, legal and administrative submissions.
- Signed and dated certification
- Digital PDF delivery
- Printed copies available
Clear service explanation
What Is a Certified Passport or ID Translation?
It is a complete translation of the relevant information shown on a passport, national identity card, residence card or related identity document, supplied with a statement confirming the translation’s accuracy.
The translation can cover personal details, document identifiers, dates, official headings, stamps, visas, endorsements and other legible information required by the organisation receiving it.
Each completed certified translation includes a certification statement, stamp, signature and date. The correct level of certification should always be based on the receiving authority’s written instructions.
The practical answer
Send the complete, readable document rather than a cropped text extract. State where the translation will be submitted so the required certification route can be reviewed before translation.
Where the service is used
Passport and ID Translations for Official Applications
Identity-document translations may be requested whenever a passport or ID is written wholly or partly in a language the receiving organisation cannot use.
Identity and right-to-work checks
Translations prepared for employers, HR departments, screening providers and other organisations reviewing identity records.
University applications
Identity-document translations supporting enrolment, admissions, student records and other academic administration.
Banking and legal procedures
Translations for banks, solicitors, courts, government offices, embassies and other official institutions.
Documents covered
Identity Documents We Can Translate
Send every relevant side or page. The receiving organisation’s document list determines what must be translated.
Browse document servicesPassports
The identity page, personal details, document numbers, dates, issuing information and any additional pages requested for the application.
National identity cards
National ID cards, civil identity cards and similar government-issued identity documents, including relevant information on both sides.
Residence permits and residence cards
Temporary or permanent residence documents used for immigration, employment, banking or administrative purposes.
Visa pages and endorsements
Legible visa labels, entry or exit stamps, official endorsements, restrictions and handwritten or printed annotations.
Related identity documents
Other official records used to establish identity, nationality, immigration status or personal details, subject to document review.
How the service works
From Document Upload to Certified Delivery
The source document, intended use and delivery deadline are reviewed together so the appropriate service can be confirmed.
Upload the document
Send a clear scan or photograph showing every relevant side, page, stamp, visa and official note.
Confirm the requirements
State the source and target languages, receiving organisation, deadline and preferred delivery format.
Translate and certify
The document details are translated and prepared with the agreed certification statement, signature, stamp and date.
Check and deliver
The completed translation is checked and supplied as a certified PDF, with a printed postal copy available where required.
The confirmed turnaround begins after the files, requirements, price and order details have been agreed. Printed delivery requires additional postal time.
Prepare your files
What to Send with Your Translation Order
Complete information allows the document to be reviewed properly and helps prevent questions about names, missing pages, certification or delivery later in the process.
- A clear, uncropped scan or photograph
- The front and reverse side of every relevant document
- Pages containing visas, stamps, endorsements or notes
- The spelling of names used in your current official records
- The source language and required target language
- The receiving authority and intended use
- Your exact submission deadline
- Any written certification instructions you have received
Important document details
Checks Before the Translation Is Certified
Identity documents contain short entries where a single letter, number or date can be important. These details should remain consistent across the source document, translation and application.
Names and transliteration
Name spellings are checked against the information visible in the document and the spelling supplied for use in your application.
Dates and document numbers
Dates of birth, issue dates, expiry dates, passport numbers, ID numbers and other identifiers are reviewed carefully.
Stamps and official entries
Legible visa labels, entry and exit stamps, endorsements, restrictions and official notes are represented where required.
Certification and presentation
The translated content is presented clearly with the agreed accuracy statement, stamp, signature and certification date.
Choose the correct formal route
Certified, Notarised, Apostilled or Sworn?
These services are not interchangeable. Use the format named in the written instructions from the authority, embassy, employer, court or other organisation receiving your documents.
| Translation route | When it may apply | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | For many official, administrative, immigration, employment, academic, banking and legal submissions. | View certified translation |
| UKVI translation | When a passport or identity document supports a UK visa, settlement, residency or citizenship application. | Review UKVI requirements |
| Notarised translation | When the receiving organisation expressly asks for an additional notarial act or verification. | View notarised translation |
| Apostille support | When documents are being prepared for official use abroad and the relevant legalisation route requires an apostille. | View apostille support |
| Sworn translation | When a foreign jurisdiction, consulate or receiving body specifically requires work by a sworn translator. | View sworn translation |
Do not add notarisation, an apostille or a sworn declaration unless the receiving organisation requires it. Send its instructions with your document when the wording is unclear.
Timelines and delivery
Standard service
Usually 2–3 working days
Express service
Subject to confirmation
Delivery format
PDF or printed copy
Choose a Service That Fits Your Submission Deadline
Document length, language, legibility, certification requirements and the time at which the order is confirmed can affect availability. Send your deadline with the file so the appropriate option can be reviewed.
The normal route for applications that allow time for translation, certification and checking.
An accelerated option may be available for suitable documents when the language, length and deadline are reviewed first.
Receive the certified translation digitally by email and request a printed postal copy where your submission requires one.
Avoid preventable delays
Common Passport and ID Translation Mistakes
- Uploading a cropped identity page Keep the document edges, headings, numbers and official markings visible in the scan or photograph.
- Forgetting the reverse side ID cards and residence documents can contain important entries, codes, issue details or notes on the back.
- Using inconsistent name spellings Provide the spelling already used in your current passport, immigration file or other official records.
- Leaving out visas or relevant stamps Include every additional page or endorsement requested as evidence by the organisation receiving the translation.
- Assuming every authority needs the same format Certified, notarised, apostilled and sworn translations serve different purposes and should not be selected interchangeably.
- Submitting without a clear deadline State the exact application date and allow additional time when a printed copy or extra formality is required.
Questions customers ask
Passport and ID Translation FAQs
Requirements can differ between authorities and applications. The written instructions for your particular submission should take priority over general information.
Do I need a certified translation of my passport or ID?
You will usually need a certified translation when the passport or identity document is not in the language required by the organisation receiving it. This may apply to visa, immigration, employment, banking, university, legal or administrative procedures.
Will the translation be accepted by UK authorities?
The service prepares passport and ID translations with a certification statement, stamp, signature and date for official submission. Final acceptance is determined by the receiving authority, so its current instructions should be checked before ordering.
How long does passport and ID translation take?
The standard turnaround is usually two to three working days. Express service may be available for suitable documents after the language, document length, file quality and deadline have been reviewed.
Can you translate passport stamps, visas and endorsements?
Yes. Legible and relevant information can include names, dates, nationality, passport or ID numbers, issue and expiry dates, visas, entry and exit stamps, endorsements and official notes. Include every page requested for your application.
Do I need to send my original passport or ID?
In most cases, a clear scan or photograph is sufficient for the translation to be prepared. Keep all edges and information visible, avoid glare or blur and include both sides where relevant. Follow any separate original-document instructions issued by the receiving authority.
Should I include both sides of an identity card?
Yes. Send both sides for review because the reverse may contain document numbers, issuing details, addresses, validity information, official notes or other relevant entries.
Can I receive a printed certified translation by post?
Yes. The completed translation can be supplied as a certified PDF by email, with a printed hard copy arranged by post when your application or receiving organisation requires one.
Does a passport translation need notarisation or an apostille?
Not automatically. A standard certified translation is suitable for many submissions. Notarisation, an apostille or a sworn translation should be added only when the receiving organisation or relevant foreign jurisdiction expressly requires it.
Send Your Passport or ID for Translation
Include a clear copy, the required language, receiving organisation, exact deadline and any written certification instructions. The team can then review the service, price and delivery route before work begins.