Here at Active Languages, we’ve had a few queries about apostille translations from legal professionals recently and thought it may be worth clearing up a few of your burning questions in a blog. Do you think you might need a translation with an apostille? Read on to find out if you do and how to get one.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a stamp official document of authenticity from the UK Legalisation Office. It legalises certain UK documents in the eyes of the Hague Convention and ensures they can be used overseas in a legal context.
Which documents can you get an apostille for?
In terms of Active Languages, the documents we tend to deal with on behalf of law firms are birth, marriage and death certificates or property deeds for use in divorce, property sale and inheritance proceedings where our British client is working with an overseas legal office. Generally speaking though, you can get an apostille for your passport, driving licence, contract, power of attorney… anything you need to be recognised as legal in another country.
Isn’t an apostille a certified translation?
No. Active Languages provides certified translations by sworn translators who apply their official stamp to the translation of your legal document for use in court. An apostille is a stamp from the UK Legalisation Office. If your legal representative or the law firm you are working with has asked for an apostille, you need a certified translation AND an apostille for your documents to stand up in court or be recognised legally.
Do Active Languages take care of apostilles?
No. Active Languages can take care of your certified translations and have them sent by recorded delivery to the address of your choice, but we do not take care of apostilles. You or your lawyer can take care of them once you have received your certified translation safely.
What should I do if I need a translation with an apostille?
Contact Active Languages and send over the document you need a certified translation for. We will provide a quote and leadtime with recorded delivery. Upon receipt of your certified translation, contact the UK Legalisation Office and go through the steps online to send off your certified translation for a paper apostille and pay the courier fees to have the translation and apostille returned to you: contact the UK Legislation Office
How long does it take to get a translation with an apostille?
Since we’re dealing with official stamps and original documents, you need the paper documents rather than scans or online copies. That means how long it takes all depends on the post!
First of all, your certified translation has to be delivered from whichever country the translator is based in. It could take a week or so. Once you’ve received it, you have to send it onto the UK Legalisation Office. They then have to go through the apostille process and send it back to you by post. The UK Legalisation Office’s website states a leadtime of 10 working days although it may be longer if there are queries about your application.
Do the apostilles themselves need translating?
No, they are official certificates intended to be accepted and recognised by other countries in the Hague Convention. All you need to have translated is the document you require an apostille for.
If you need a birth, marriage or death certificate, property deeds or any other legal document translating for use in a court of law overseas or in the UK, please contact Active Languages Translation Agency on info@activelanguages.co.uk for a no-obligation quote and expert advice.
