How to order a certified translation online in three steps

Ordering a certified translation online is mostly about preparation. If you know where the document is going and you have a clear scan of it, the order itself takes a few minutes. This article walks through the three steps and what to prepare for each.

Before you start: ask the receiving office

The receiving authority decides what it accepts. Before you order, ask which kind of translation it wants, whether the translator needs a particular title in that country, and whether the original needs an apostille. Our country guide shows what is usually expected in 13 countries.

Step 1: choose languages, country and delivery speed

Open the calculator. Choose the language of the document and the language you need. Then choose the country where the document will be used. This matters because the certification type depends on that country, and the calculator only shows the options that fit.

Enter the number of pages and choose a delivery speed: standard, priority or urgent. The calculator shows the estimated delivery date. The price appears as soon as the fields are filled in.

If you came from one of our country pages, for example the UK or Germany, the country is already selected for you.

Step 2: upload the document and add your details

Upload a clear scan or photo of the whole document. The original is usually not needed. PDF, JPG, PNG and DOCX files are accepted.

• Include every page, the back side if it has text, and all stamps and seals.
• Make sure the text is sharp and not cut off at the edges.
• Avoid shadows and glare when you take a photo.
• If names have a preferred spelling, add it in the note to the translator.

Then add your name, email and phone number so we can reach you about the order.

Step 3: place the order

Read and accept the terms, then place the order. You do not pay at this point. We send you an invoice afterwards, and work starts once the invoice is paid.

What you receive

You receive a PDF of the translation with a signed certification page. A hard copy by post is available. Choose it in the order form. Keep the PDF together with a copy of the original, since the receiving office usually reads them side by side.

Common questions

How long does it take? That depends on the delivery speed you choose: standard, priority or urgent. The calculator shows the estimated delivery date. Delivery times are estimates counted from the start of work.

Can I translate only part of a document? Many offices expect a full translation, including stamps and notes. Check with the receiving office before you leave anything out.

What if I need a notarised or apostilled document too? An apostille authenticates the original public document and is separate from the translation. You can book a notary meeting for notarisation and apostille. Our article on whether the translation comes before or after the apostille helps you plan the order.

A quick checklist

• I know which kind of translation the receiving office accepts.
• I know the country where the document will be used.
• I have a clear scan or photo of every page.
• I have noted any preferred spelling of names.
• I know whether the original also needs an apostille.

Preparing a good scan or photo

A clear file makes the translator's work faster and reduces the chance of questions later. If you have a scanner, scan in colour at a normal resolution and save as PDF. If you use a phone, place the document flat on a dark surface in good daylight, hold the phone straight above it and check that all four corners are visible.

Multi-page documents are easiest as one PDF in the right page order. If you send separate photos, name them so the order is obvious, for example page-1, page-2. If a page is blank on the back, you do not need to include the back.

If part of the document is hard to read, such as a faded stamp or handwriting, mention it in the note to the translator. It is better to flag it at the start than to find out later.

Next step

When the checklist is done, open the translations calculator and place your order.