ISO 9001 
ISO 17100 
ISO 18587 LinguaVox provides passport and ID document translation services for individuals, companies, law firms, universities and institutions that need identity documents translated for immigration, banking, employment, study, notarial, onboarding or administrative procedures. Identity documents are usually short, but accuracy is essential: names, dates, document numbers, issuing authorities, expiry dates, nationality and observations have to be reproduced consistently.
The required format depends on the country and receiving body. In Spain, a foreign identity document submitted to a public authority, notary, court or registry may require a sworn translation. In other countries, a certified translation or signed statement of accuracy may be sufficient. We ask where the translation will be used before confirming the workflow.
Identity documents we translate
Typical files include passports, national identity cards, residence permits, driving licences, visas, foreigner identity cards, registration cards, consular identity documents and supporting administrative records. We can also translate stamps, visas, entry or exit notes and apostilles where they are relevant to the procedure.
Before quoting, the project manager checks whether the scan is complete and readable. Identity documents often contain small print, machine-readable zones, security wording, abbreviations and stamps. Blurred photographs, cropped corners or missing reverse sides can create problems, so both sides should be sent where applicable.
Sworn, certified or professional translation
A sworn translation may be required for official use in Spain. For use abroad, the receiving body may request certified translation, notarisation or another format. The same passport translation might be accepted by one institution and declined by another if the certification format does not match its instructions.
LinguaVox can prepare sworn or certified translations depending on the destination, but final acceptance remains with the authority, bank, university, employer, notary or platform receiving the file. If you have instructions, upload requirements or wording from the receiving body, send them with the document.
Accuracy, privacy and delivery
Identity document translation involves personal data. We handle all files with professional discretion and limit access to the project team assigned to the job. The translator reproduces the information shown in the document and does not add explanations or assumptions unless the format specifically calls for a note.
Most projects are managed online. You send the document, we confirm the language pair, intended use, deadline and certification format, and we provide a written quote. Delivery may be digital, paper-based or both, depending on the certification type and the receiving body's requirements.
Practical quote information
For a reliable quote, send the complete document including both sides where relevant. State the target language, destination country, receiving body and deadline. If the document is part of a larger application — a visa file, university enrolment, employment file or notarial procedure — mention that context so the project manager can assess whether related documents should follow the same certification format.
Practical checks for identity documents
Identity documents often carry relevant information on both sides, in small print or in machine-readable sections. We check the full file before quoting and may request a clearer copy if document numbers, dates, issuing authorities or observations are not legible. Where a passport contains several relevant visa pages or stamps, the client should indicate which pages need translating and whether the receiving body requires the whole document or only specific sections.
Where identity documents form part of a wider application, the translation should be consistent with the rest of the file. Names, surnames, places of birth and transliterations should match birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records or police certificates as far as the source documents allow. Any visible discrepancy is better identified before submission than discovered afterwards. We also check whether the receiving body expects translation of the machine-readable zone, visas, residence stamps or only the main identification page, since requirements differ between institutions and countries. Where the identity document belongs to a minor, related birth certificates, consent forms or custody documents may require the same certification approach and should be sent at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Do passports and ID cards need sworn translation in Spain?
They may require sworn translation when submitted to a Spanish authority, notary, court, registry office or official procedure. The requirement depends on the receiving body, so its specific instructions should be checked before ordering.
Should I send both sides of the ID document?
Yes. Identity cards, residence permits and driving licences often carry relevant information on both sides. Sending the full document avoids omissions and prevents delays during translation.
Can you translate visas and passport stamps?
Yes. We translate visas, stamps, observations and entry or exit notes where they are relevant to the procedure. The quote depends on legibility, number of pages, language pair and the required certification format.
Is a certified translation enough for a passport?
Sometimes. Some institutions accept a certified translation with a statement of accuracy; others require sworn translation or notarisation. Tell us where the translation will be submitted so we can recommend the appropriate format.
Can the translation be delivered digitally?
Often, yes, but this depends on the receiving body and the certification format. Some authorities accept digitally signed files, while others require paper originals. We confirm delivery options before starting.
