Certified Passport Translation UK
Send a clear copy of the passport pages you need translated and tell us where the translation will be submitted. We can review the language, required pages, certification route and deadline before work begins.
What is a certified passport translation?
A certified passport translation converts the required information from a passport into the requested language and is supplied with a certification statement confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
Depending on what the receiving organisation asks for, the translation may cover only the main biographical page or may also need relevant observations, endorsements, visa pages, residence stickers, stamps or other readable passport content.
Do not assume the whole passport needs translating. Send the instructions you have received and the relevant passport pages so the scope can be checked before you pay for unnecessary work.
If you need to translate a national identity card rather than a passport, see our certified national ID card translation service for guidance on submitting both sides and confirming certification requirements.
Which passport pages need translating?
The answer depends on why the passport is being submitted. Send the request or checklist from the receiving organisation whenever possible.
- 01 Biographical or photo page Name, nationality, place and date of birth, passport number, dates of issue and expiry, and other visible identity details.
- 02 Observations and endorsements Official notes or endorsements may need translation when they are relevant to the application.
- 03 Visa or residence pages Visa labels, residence information or related entries can be included when specifically requested.
- 04 Entry and exit stamps Relevant stamps can be translated when travel history forms part of the evidence being reviewed.
- 05 Other readable official entries Visible notes, seals or markings can be addressed where they form part of the required source material.
What your passport translation can include
Passport translation requires particular care because small differences in names, dates, document numbers or issuing information can create confusion when the translation is compared with the original.
Where passport translations may be used
A passport translation should be prepared around the organisation receiving it rather than around a generic promise of universal acceptance.
Passport applications
Foreign-language identity or supporting documents requested as part of an HM Passport Office application.
Visa and immigration matters
Passport information or related identity evidence included within UK visa, settlement or other immigration submissions.
Legal matters
Passport evidence forming part of a solicitor's file, court bundle or another formal legal process.
Employment and professional checks
Identity information requested by an employer or professional organisation where foreign-language details need clarification.
Academic administration
Passport or identity evidence requested during enrolment, admissions or another university administrative process.
International submissions
Passport translations needed by an embassy, overseas institution or other recipient outside the UK, subject to its own rules.
What to send us
Good source files help avoid unnecessary questions and make it easier to confirm the correct scope before translation begins.
- A clear scan, PDF or readable photograph of every passport page you need reviewed.
- The language used in the passport and the language required for the translation.
- The authority, organisation or country receiving the completed translation.
- Your required deadline and any written certification instructions you have received.
- Any established spelling of names that should remain consistent with another official document.
From passport upload to certified translation
You receive the scope, price, expected turnaround and certification route before translation work begins.
Send the passport
Upload clear images or scans of the relevant pages.
Tell us its purpose
Identify the authority, institution or destination country.
Review your quote
Price, turnaround and the appropriate certification route are confirmed.
Translation & checks
Names, dates, numbers, visible entries and certification details are reviewed.
Receive the translation
The completed certified translation is supplied in the format agreed in your quotation.
Clear pricing before work begins
Passport translation cost depends on the actual pages being translated, the language combination, certification requirement and deadline.
Sending the passport first allows the team to determine whether you need only the biographical page or additional pages, rather than pricing unnecessary content.
Express completion may be available for suitable documents and language pairs, subject to translator availability and the amount of content.
Certified, notarised, sworn or apostilled?
These terms describe different processes. Do not add another authentication step unless the receiving organisation specifically requires one.
| Service | What it adds | When to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | A signed certification statement confirming the translation's accuracy and completeness. | Where standard certified translation is requested for a UK or other formal submission. |
| Notarised translation | An additional authentication step involving a notary public. | When the receiving organisation expressly asks for notarisation. |
| Sworn translation | Translation produced under the sworn-translator system recognised in the relevant jurisdiction. | When the destination country or organisation requires a sworn translator. |
| Apostille / legalisation | A further authentication process for certain international document uses. | When requested by the destination country, embassy, consulate or receiving organisation. |
Passport translation FAQs
If your receiving organisation has given you written instructions, send them with the passport so the service can be checked against those requirements.
Do I need to translate my entire passport?
Not necessarily. Some applications may require only the biographical page, while others may require observations, visa pages, stamps or additional entries. Follow the receiving organisation's instructions and send them with your passport where possible.
Do I need a certified passport translation for UKVI?
Where a foreign-language document is being relied upon in a UK immigration application, current UK guidance generally requires a complete translation that can be independently verified. The exact documents required depend on the immigration route and application.
What information should a UK certified translation contain?
UK guidance commonly requires confirmation that the translation is accurate, the date of translation, the full name and signature of the translator or authorised company official, and appropriate contact details. Some immigration routes may also require credentials.
Can I send a scan or phone photograph of my passport?
A clear scan, PDF or readable photograph can normally be sent for quotation and review. Make sure the relevant text, document edges, numbers, stamps and other required details are clearly visible.
How should names be translated from my passport?
If your name already has an established spelling in English or another target language, provide the relevant official version before work begins. This can help maintain consistency across documents while still translating the source accurately.
Does a passport translation need to be notarised?
Not automatically. Notarisation is an additional authentication step and should normally be ordered only when the organisation receiving the document specifically requests it.
How much does a certified passport translation cost?
Standard certified translations on this website currently start from £40 per document. The final passport translation price depends on the pages required, language combination, certification route and turnaround.
How quickly can a passport translation be completed?
Standard and express options are available. Same-day or 24-hour completion may be possible for suitable work depending on the language pair, number of pages and translator availability. The expected completion time is confirmed with your quotation.
Upload the relevant pages and tell us where they are going.
Include the source and target languages, receiving organisation, deadline and any written certification instructions so your request can be reviewed properly.