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BKT Tercüme ve DanışmanlıkConsultancy for Foreigners & Sworn Translation

PT-08 Translation service

Passport and Identity Document Translation

The first and most frequently requested document in every official file

Passport and identity document translations are required in almost all residence permit, work permit, citizenship, company formation, title deed and banking procedures. A single spelling error in what looks like a simple document can cause an entire file to be returned.

The decisive point is that the given name and surname match the Latin-script spelling in the passport exactly. At BKT we translate identity documents with that precision, use consistent spelling across the same person's different files, and complete the necessary notarial certifications.

Who is it for?

  • Foreigners applying for a residence or work permit
  • Foreign individuals becoming shareholders in a company formation
  • Foreigners carrying out title deed and banking transactions
  • Those preparing marriage and citizenship files
  • Those converting a driving licence or dealing with traffic procedures
  • Turkish citizens submitting an identity document abroad

Required documents

The list below is for a typical case. Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality, the type of application and the practice of the relevant authority; the definitive list is given to you in writing at the initial consultation.

  • The identity page of the passport
  • Identity card or civil registry card
  • Birth certificate or civil registry extract
  • Driving licence
  • The institution the document will be submitted to

The process step by step

  1. 1

    Confirming the spelling

    The Latin-script spelling of the given name and surname in the passport is taken as the basis.

  2. 2

    Translation

    The document is translated by a sworn translator, faithful to its layout.

  3. 3

    Check

    Numbers, dates and issuing authority details are checked.

  4. 4

    Notarial certification

    Notarial certification is carried out if the procedure requires it.

  5. 5

    Delivery

    Delivered with the required number of copies.

Common mistakes

  • Taking the spelling of the name in the local alphabet as the basis
  • Obtaining a single certified copy and repeating the process for each institution
  • Having the translation made while the passport has expired
  • Not obtaining a recently dated civil registry record
  • Starting the process without stating the institution the document is for

Legal basis

Sworn translation and certification practice under Notaries Act No. 1512

Legislation and administrative practice may change. The information on this page is for general guidance only; an assessment specific to your case requires a consultation.

Passport and identity document translation — frequently asked questions

Is the whole passport translated?

Usually the page with the identity details is sufficient. Some procedures may also require the pages with entry and exit stamps.

My name is written differently in two alphabets — which one prevails?

The Latin-script spelling in the machine-readable zone of the passport is taken as the basis. This spelling must be kept in all files.

Is notarial certification always required?

It is generally required for title deed, company and civil registry procedures. For informational use, a sworn translation may be sufficient.

Is a translated driving licence valid on the road?

The use and conversion of a foreign driving licence are subject to separate rules. The translation is one of the documents required for those procedures.

Can an expired passport be translated?

It can be translated; however, since official applications require a current and valid document, the passport should be renewed first.

What do we provide in this process?

With lawyer support

On cases that call for legal assessment — appeals, administrative proceedings and refusal decisions — we work together with a lawyer.

Grounded in the legislation

We state plainly which law and regulation each service rests on: Laws No. 6735, 6458 and 5901 and the related implementing rules.

Transparency on process and fees

Before we begin, the document list, the steps, a realistic time expectation and the total fee are shared in writing.

One point of contact

Your case is assigned to one person; you speak to the same individual at every stage and follow the process from a single place.

Let us assess your case

You do not need to have your documents to hand; describing your current situation is enough for the first step.

You can reach us on weekdays and at weekends. The initial consultation is free.