In short
- A certified translation comes with the translator's signed statement that it is accurate. This is what the UK Home Office and USCIS ask for.
- A notarised translation adds a notary's confirmation of the translator's identity and signature, not of the translation's accuracy.
- A sworn translation is made by a translator appointed by a court or state, and exists in countries such as France and Greece, but not in the UK or US.
- Which one you need depends on where the translation will be used, so check with the receiving office.
"Certified", "notarised" and "sworn" are often used as if they mean the same thing. They don't, and paying for the wrong one wastes time and money. The short answer for most people in the UK or US: official offices usually ask for a certified translation.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a complete translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company confirming that it is accurate.
- UK: Home Office guidance asks that the translation includes confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document, the date, the translator's full name and signature, and their contact details.
- US: USCIS regulations ask for a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, together with the translator's certification that they are competent to translate the language into English.
There is no government register of "certified translators" in the UK or the US. The certification is the translator's own signed statement.
What is a notarised translation?
A notary public confirms who signed a document. For a notarised translation, the translator signs the certificate in front of a notary, who then adds their seal.
The notary does not check the translation. Notarisation adds formality, not accuracy.
- UK visas: Home Office guidance asks for a certified translation, not a notarised one.
- USCIS: the regulation asks for the translator's certification. It does not require notarisation.
Some other offices, such as certain courts, banks or foreign authorities, do ask for notarisation. If so, they will say.
What is a sworn translation?
Some countries appoint sworn translators, sometimes called official, court or certified translators, who are authorised by a court or the state. Their translations carry official status in that country.
| Country | Who makes official translations for use there |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | No sworn-translator system. Professional translators certify their own work. |
| United States | No sworn-translator system. Translators certify their own work; notarisation is optional unless asked for. |
| France | A traducteur agréé: an expert judiciaire listed by a cour d'appel or the Cour de cassation. |
| Greece | The Translation Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and lawyers, whose translations have effect before courts and authorities under the Lawyers' Code. |
| Albania | Check with the receiving authority or the Albanian embassy which form of certified translation it accepts. |
A sworn translation is about where the document will be used, not where the translator lives.
Which one do I need?
- For use in the UK or US (visas, citizenship, USCIS, universities, most courts and employers): usually a certified translation.
- If an office specifically asks for notarisation: a certified translation, notarised.
- For use in France or Greece: usually a translation made by a translator recognised there. Ask the receiving authority before ordering.
When in doubt, ask the office that will receive the document what it accepts, and get the answer in writing if you can.
What Lexiveris provides
We provide certified translations from Greek, Albanian and French into English for use in the UK and US, formatted to Home Office and USCIS guidance. If you need a translation out of English for use in Greece, Albania or France, ask for a quote, and we'll tell you before you pay whether we can provide what that authority accepts.
Frequently asked questions
Is a certified translation the same as an official translation?
Not always. In the UK and US, "certified" means the translator's signed accuracy statement. In some other countries, "official translation" means a translation by a sworn or state-authorised translator.
Does a notary check that my translation is correct?
No. A notary confirms the identity of the person signing, not the content of the translation.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS or the Home Office?
USCIS asks for a certification from the translator, and Home Office guidance refers to a translator's confirmation. Using an independent professional translator avoids questions about objectivity. Check the guidance for your application.
Will a sworn translation from Greece or France be accepted in the UK?
Often it will, if it includes what the UK office asks for, such as the date and the translator's details. If it doesn't, you may need a new certified translation into English.
Sources
- 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3): USCIS translation requirement
- University of Westminster: Home Office translation guidelines
- Service-Public (France): Traduction d'un document, trouver un traducteur agréé
- European e-Justice Portal: legal translators in Greece
This article is general information based on published guidance as of 31 October 2026. It is not legal or immigration advice, and requirements can change. Always check the current requirements with the office handling your case. Lexiveris Translations provides translation services only and is not affiliated with any government agency.