Certified National ID Card Translation for Official Use
Need a national identity card translated into English or another language? Send a clear copy of the front and back, tell us where the document will be submitted, and receive confirmed pricing, certification guidance and an expected delivery timeline before work begins.
Identity card translation prepared for its intended use
An identity card translation presents the readable information on the original card in the requested language. For an ID card translation in English, this can include the holder’s identifying details, issue information, reference numbers, official labels, stamps and annotations where they appear.
For a certified translation, the completed document is accompanied by a signed statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete. Certification details normally allow the work to be independently identified and verified.
Tell the team where the ID card will be used before translation begins. The receiving organisation’s instructions determine whether a standard certified translation is sufficient or whether notarisation, sworn translation, an apostille or another legalisation step has been requested.
When an ID card translation may be requested
Identity cards are often supplied as supporting evidence when an organisation needs to verify personal details shown in a language it does not use.
Visa and residency applications
A translated identity card may form part of the personal evidence submitted for a visa, residence or nationality-related process.
Official identity verification
Authorities, regulated organisations and professional bodies may request readable translated identification before completing their checks.
Legal and administrative matters
Identity records may accompany court, solicitor, civil-registration or other formal administrative documents.
Academic or employment procedures
Universities, employers and qualification bodies may request translated identification alongside an application or supporting records.
Embassy and overseas submissions
Requirements vary significantly between countries, embassies and consulates, so the destination instructions should be supplied before ordering.
Banking and business checks
A translated identity record may be requested as part of onboarding, compliance or cross-border company procedures.
Information that may appear in an ID card translation
The exact content depends on the issuing country and card format. Relevant readable information is handled as it appears on the source document.
Name and identifying details
The holder’s full name and any other personal identifiers displayed on the card.
Date and place of birth
Birth information, nationality or other status details where they are shown.
ID or card number
Identity numbers, document references and other visible numerical identifiers.
Issue and expiry dates
Validity dates and other time-sensitive information recorded on the identity document.
Issuing authority
The government body, department, municipality or authority named on the card.
Labels and official markings
Relevant headings, stamps, seals, handwritten entries and visible official notes.
Identity card formats the team can review
Send the complete document for confirmation. The appropriate service depends on the type of card, its issuing authority and where the translation will be submitted.
National identity cards
Government-issued national identification cards showing personal and document details.
Temporary national ID documents
Temporary or interim government identity documents issued while a permanent card is pending or for a limited period.
Official digital identity records
Readable government-issued digital records or exports containing identity information that needs translation.
Government-issued identity cards
Other official identity cards can be reviewed once the issuing authority, language and intended use are known.
From document upload to checked delivery
Send the ID card first so its language, readability, intended use and certification requirements can be reviewed before the order is confirmed.
Send your ID card
Upload a complete scan, PDF or readable photograph of the front and back.
Confirm the purpose
State the required language, receiving organisation, destination country and deadline.
Review your quote
Receive confirmed pricing, expected turnaround and the recommended certification route.
Translation and checks
Names, dates, numbers, visible markings and certification details are translated and reviewed.
Receive the translation
The completed translation is delivered in the digital or available hard-copy format agreed in advance.
What to send for an accurate quotation
The quotation is based on the actual document rather than its title alone. Clear and complete source material helps avoid unnecessary questions or delays.
Include the reverse even when it contains less text or appears mostly administrative.
Keep every edge, stamp, number and line of text visible and avoid glare or heavy shadows.
State the original language and whether you require English or another target language.
Name the authority, university, employer, court, embassy or country receiving the translation.
Include the actual submission date and any written certification or delivery requirements.
Certified, notarised, sworn or legalised?
These terms describe different services. Select the route requested by the receiving organisation rather than adding authentication that has not been requested.
Certified translation
A complete translation supplied with a signed statement confirming accuracy and completeness, together with the relevant identifying and contact details.
Commonly requested for UK official and administrative use.Notarised translation
A certified translation with an additional authentication step involving a notary public.
Order this only when notarisation is specifically requested.Sworn translation
Translation prepared under the sworn-translator system recognised in the relevant country or jurisdiction.
The required translator status depends on the destination.Apostille or legalisation
A separate authentication process that may concern the source document, translation, certification or related signature.
Requirements depend on the document and destination country.Questions about ID card translation
Requirements vary between authorities, applications and destination countries. Share the receiving organisation’s instructions whenever possible.
What is a certified ID card translation?
It is a complete translation of the relevant visible information on an identity card, supplied with a signed statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete. Certification normally includes the date and identifying or contact details.
Can you provide an ID card translation in English?
Yes. Send the original ID card, state that English is the required target language and explain where the translation will be submitted. The team can then confirm availability, pricing, certification and expected turnaround.
Do I need to send both sides of my identity card?
Send both sides whenever possible. The reverse may contain issue details, official wording, addresses, reference numbers, validity information or other text relevant to the completed translation.
Can I send a photograph instead of a scan?
A clear phone photograph may be suitable for quotation and preparation. The complete card should be visible, in focus and free from glare. The team will advise if a clearer image or different format is needed.
Are stamps, seals and handwritten entries included?
Relevant visible text, stamps, seals and annotations are addressed as part of the document. Their treatment depends on what is readable and how the information appears on the source card.
Will the translated ID card be accepted?
The receiving authority or organisation makes the final decision on acceptance. Send its instructions with your document so the translation team can assess whether certified, notarised, sworn or legalised translation has been requested.
How quickly can an ID card translation be delivered?
Standard and express options are available. The exact completion time depends on the language pair, card readability, certification route, translator availability and required delivery format. Submit the document and deadline for confirmation.
How much does certified ID card translation cost?
Standard certified translations currently start from £40 per document. The final price depends on the language pair, amount of text, document condition, certification type and deadline. Your price is confirmed before work begins.
Can I receive a printed copy?
Digital delivery is available. When a printed version is required, ask about available hard-copy and postal arrangements before ordering so the format, destination and delivery time can be included in the quotation.
Send your ID card for a clear price and delivery timeline
Include both sides of the card, the source and target languages, the receiving organisation and your deadline. The files can then be reviewed before the translation begins.