Passport & ID Document Translation UK

Passport and identity document translation is required in situations where foreign-language identity documents need to be submitted to UK or overseas authorities. While UK authorities generally do not require translation of passports (since passports are issued in multiple languages including English), foreign national identity cards, driving licences, and similar documents may need certified translation.

When Do Passports Need Translation?

Most modern passports include parallel text in English (or French), so translation is not typically required for passport submission. However, certified translation may be required for:

• Older passports issued in a single language (particularly from countries that have reformed their passport systems)
• Internal passports (common in Eastern Europe and former Soviet states) which may be in a single language
• Passport data pages where specific fields need to be verified for immigration purposes

National Identity Cards

Many EU and non-EU countries issue national identity cards that are not in English. If you are submitting a foreign national ID card to a UK authority and it contains information that needs to be verified, a certified translation may be required. UKVI guidance specifies that all foreign-language documents submitted with applications must be translated.

Driving Licences

Foreign driving licences may need translation when:

• Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a UK licence with the DVLA
• Providing evidence of driving history to a UK insurance company
• Using a foreign driving licence abroad in countries where translation is required

What the Translation Covers

A certified translation of an identity document covers all data fields on the document: surname, given names, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, document number, dates of issue and expiry, and any restrictions or endorsements. We translate the document in full — including any text on the reverse.