Do You Need to Send the Original for a Sworn Translation?
Last updated: July 24, 2026 · Uğur Arı — sworn translator, Kartal 12th Notary Office
For the translation itself, a clear photo or a legible PDF is enough; you don't need the original at that stage. The notarization or apostille stage, however, may require the original or a certified copy depending on the procedure. Barcoded e-Devlet documents are verified online and are often processed without the original.
Send a photo or PDF of your document; we tell you whether the original is needed and the exact price. No upfront payment is required to request a quote.
Send Your Document on WhatsApp ↗For the translation: a photo is enough
Pre-assessment and the sworn translation are done from a clear photo or a legible PDF. That is enough to receive a written quote and start the translation; no original needs to be sent at this stage.
For the notary and apostille: it depends
Depending on the procedure (application abroad, immigration, an official body) and the notary office, the original or a certified copy may be requested at notarization. The apostille is placed on the original and issued by the relevant authority.
Barcoded e-Devlet documents
Barcoded e-Devlet documents (diploma, transcript, criminal record) can be verified online, so they are often processed without the original. Acceptance depends on the receiving institution and the notary office.
Step by step
- 1Send a photo/PDF
Send a clear image of the document on WhatsApp for review and a quote.
- 2Sworn translation
The Turkish ↔ English translation starts from the file received.
- 3Original if required
We'll tell you whether the original or a certified copy is needed for the notary or apostille step.
e.g. passport, ID card, birth record, driving licence, criminal record
e.g. diploma, transcript, student certificate, certificate, equivalence certificate, marriage certificate
Which class your document falls into, and whether any extra step is needed, is confirmed after document review. Prices are the same Turkish lira tariff as for clients in Türkiye; foreign-currency figures are approximate. Notarisation, apostille, courier and other extra steps are not included and are listed separately in your written quote. Foreign-currency figures are calculated from the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye buying rate of 9 October 2026 (NZD: ECB cross rate) and rounded up to .99.
Is a photo enough for the translation?
Yes. A clear photo or a legible PDF is enough for pre-assessment and the sworn translation.
When is the original required?
At notarization (depending on the notary office and procedure) and for the apostille; the apostille is placed on the original.
- How to Use a Turkish Document Abroad →
- Which Documents to Translate for a University Application Abroad →
- Turkish Sworn Translation vs. 'Certified Translation' Abroad →
- Is Same-Day Sworn English Translation Possible? →
- Apostille in Turkey: where to get it and when →
- Sworn vs. notarized translation in Turkey →
Requirements are ultimately set by the receiving institution, notary office or authority; practices vary and cannot be guaranteed. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Send Your Document First. Pay After Reviewing Your Quote.
Certified translation requirements can vary by document and receiving authority. Send your document via WhatsApp, speak directly with a sworn translator, and receive a written quote covering the translation, any required certification and delivery options before making payment.
- Send your document. A photo or PDF by WhatsApp, and tell us where it will be used.
- The sworn translator reviews it. The document, its language pair, the purpose and the service you need — including whether notarisation, an apostille, a signed paper copy or international delivery is needed.
- You receive a written quote. Translation, any required certification, delivery and turnaround, before you pay.
- Your translation is prepared. No upfront payment is required for the translation.
- You see it first. Once your translation is completed, we share a watermarked preview showing a suitable part of the document. The preview does not expose unnecessary personal data and does not replace the signed and stamped official document.
- Then you pay. After your payment is confirmed, the final, watermark-free translation with the translator’s statement, signature and stamp is delivered in the agreed format.
See that your translation is ready before you pay. No upfront payment is required, either to request a quote or for the translation. We cannot guarantee that a foreign authority will accept a document; where its requirements are unclear, we tell you to confirm them with the receiving authority before you pay.
We accept credit and debit cards. After you accept the written quote, you can pay by card, by bank transfer to our IBAN, or by Western Union where delivery to a bank account is available from your location; cash is possible in person in Türkiye. Card payments are made through a secure payment link in US dollars (USD); card charges, if any, are stated in your quote.
Send Your Document on WhatsApp ↗Ask a sworn translator about your document before paying.
Who provides this: İngilizce Yeminli Çeviri — Uğur Arı, sworn translator registered at the Kartal 12th Notary Office, Tuzla, Istanbul. Turkish ↔ English sworn translation, online, with the same Turkish lira prices worldwide.