Delivery & Formats

How We Deliver Your Certified Translation

Official Translations · UK Translation Guide · Category 6

How We Deliver Your Certified Translation

Official Translations offers two delivery formats: digital (PDF) and physical (posted). For most purposes — UK visa applications, university enrolment, employment checks, and overseas residency applications — a digital certified translation PDF is accepted.

Digital Delivery (Standard)

Your certified translation is delivered as a PDF document by email. This is our standard delivery method and is included in the base price. The digital PDF includes:

The complete translated document
The translator's signed certificate of accuracy
Translator name, qualifications, and contact information
Date of certification
Official Translations stamp and reference number

Digital certified translation PDFs are accepted by the UK Home Office, UKVI, UK universities, UK banks, the DVLA, NHS, and most overseas immigration authorities.

When is digital sufficient? For the vast majority of applications — including all UK visa categories, UK university admission, and most EU residency applications — a digital PDF is all you need. Always confirm with the receiving authority if you are uncertain.

Physical Delivery (Printed Copy)

If you require a physical printed and signed copy of your certified translation — for example, for certain overseas authorities that require original documents — we can produce and post a hard copy.

Physical copies are sent by tracked Royal Mail or courier (depending on destination). Allow 1–3 working days for UK delivery and 3–7 working days for international delivery after the translation is complete.

When Might You Need a Physical Copy?

Some EU countries and non-Hague-Convention countries may specifically request original paper documents
Certain notarial processes may require a physical copy
Some overseas employers or academic institutions prefer original documents

Apostille Certification

An apostille is an official certificate that authenticates the signature and seal of a document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. If your translated document needs to be used officially in a Hague Convention country, an apostille may be required.

We obtain the official apostille on your behalf. The apostille is affixed to the certified translation and confirms its authenticity for international use. Apostille certification is available as an add-on and adds 5–10 working days to the overall timeline.

What the Translation Document Looks Like

A certified translation from Official Translations is a professional document that mirrors the layout and content of the original. Key details — names, dates, reference numbers, official seals — are accurately reproduced. The translator's certificate is appended to or incorporated into the translated document.

Accepted Delivery for Common Use Cases

Use Case	Digital PDF	Physical Copy
UK visa (Home Office / UKVI)	✓ Accepted	Also accepted
UK university enrolment	✓ Accepted	Also accepted
EU residency application	Usually accepted	May be required
Overseas notarial process	Check with authority	Often required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a digital certified translation PDF accepted by the UK Home Office?

Yes. The UK Home Office and UKVI accept certified translations delivered as digital PDF documents. Physical copies are not required for UK visa applications.

Do I need a physical copy of my certified translation?

For most UK and EU applications, a digital PDF is sufficient. Physical copies may be required by some overseas authorities or for notarial processes. Always confirm with the receiving body.

What does an apostille on a translation look like?

An apostille is a standardised certificate affixed to the document. It confirms the authenticity of the translator's signature and the official status of the certifying body for use in Hague Convention countries.

How long does physical delivery take?

Physical copies are sent by tracked Royal Mail or courier. Allow 1–3 working days for UK delivery after the translation is complete.