What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation of an official document accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company confirming that the translation is accurate. Certified translations are required for official and legal purposes, including immigration, employment screening, and court proceedings.
Who Needs a Police Clearance or Criminal Record Translation?
| Situation requiring a police clearance translation | Description |
|---|---|
| Visa and immigration applications | Police certificates are commonly required for visa and immigration applications to the UK, USA, Canada, and other countries. |
| Work visas and residency permits | Criminal record checks are often mandatory for work permits and permanent residence applications. |
| Employment in sensitive sectors | Roles in healthcare, education, childcare, social care, and government frequently require translated police clearances. |
| Citizenship or naturalisation | Applicants may need to provide police certificates covering previous countries of residence. |
| Returning residents or citizens | Individuals returning home after living abroad may need translated criminal records for employment or registration. |
| Court or legal proceedings | Police certificates may be required as supporting evidence in cross-border legal matters. |
How Long Does It Take?
Most police clearance certificates and criminal record extracts of one to two pages are translated within 2 working days.
Longer documents or certificates containing multiple stamps or annotations may require additional time. If you are working to a tight deadline, use the chat in the bottom right corner and our team will advise on express options where available.
Get Started
- Upload a clear scan or photo of your police certificate.
- Receive an instant per-word quote.
- Choose standard or express delivery.
How Much Does a Certified Translation Cost?
Many translation providers charge per page, often applying a word limit per page. Police certificates frequently include stamps and reference numbers that can increase costs unexpectedly.
Transparent & Fair
- Instant per-word quote
- Digital delivery (PDF)
- Certified for official use
- Only pay for translatable content
- Digital certified copy; hard copy optional
- Designed for immigration and legal use
What Is a Certified Translation for Police Clearance Certificates?
Police clearance certificates and criminal record extracts must be submitted in the language required by the receiving authority. In the UK, Ireland, and the United States, a certified translation typically includes:
- Date of translation
- Translator’s full name and signature
- Translator or translation company contact details
- A statement confirming the translation is accurate
Some authorities may require notarised or legalised translations. In many European countries, a sworn translation issued by a court-appointed translator is required.
Official Requirements for Police Clearance Translations
USCIS (United States)
- Complete and accurate translation of the document
- All text, stamps, seals, and annotations must be translated or described
- Certification confirming the translator’s competence
UKVI (United Kingdom)
- Accurate translation of the original document
- Confirmation that it is a true translation
- Translator or translation company details
Steps to Get Your Police Clearance Translated
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Obtain the official document
Request the police clearance or criminal record extract from the relevant authority.
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Choose a certified translation service
Select a provider experienced with immigration and official documents.
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Submit your document
Tell us where the translation will be used so it can be certified correctly.
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Receive your translation
Delivered digitally, ready for official submission.