Before you start
Find out who will receive the English version, such as an embassy, a university, a bank, a court or an employer, and ask what they need. Many organisations accept only a sworn translation of an official Tamil document, and some ask for a particular format, the original seal or a certified copy.
Step 1: Make a clear copy of the document
Scan the Tamil document or photograph it in good light, flat and straight, with all four corners visible. Include every page, the back of the document if it carries text, and any stamps, seals and handwritten notes. A PDF scan gives the best result; a sharp phone photo also works.
Step 2: Choose a translation or a sworn translation
For personal reference, a standard document translation is enough. For visas, immigration, foreign study, court use or overseas employment, choose a sworn translation, which a sworn translator certifies as a true and accurate translation of the Tamil original.
Step 3: Upload and select Tamil to English
Open Lex Translate, upload your PDF, photo or Word document, select Tamil to English and choose the service you need, including the sworn review option where available. Add the spelling of names exactly as it appears in your passport or NIC, if you have one.
Step 4: Check the translation carefully
Compare the English translation with the Tamil original line by line. Check names, dates of birth, NIC and registration numbers, addresses, amounts and place names. Make sure every stamp, seal and signature is translated or noted.
Step 5: Submit and keep copies
You can order a Tamil to English document translation, with optional sworn review, at mytranslates.com.
Submit the translation with the original or a certified copy, as the receiving organisation requires, and keep digital and paper copies. Certificates issued through Lex Translate can be checked with its certificate verification feature.
Translating the other way, or from another language? Read how to translate a Sinhala document to English or our guide to English, Sinhala and Tamil legal translation.
Questions and answers
How can I convert a Tamil document to English?
Scan or photograph every page clearly, upload it to a document translation service such as Lex Translate, select Tamil to English, choose a standard or sworn translation, then check names, dates and numbers against the original.
Do I need a sworn translation of a Tamil certificate?
If the English translation will go to an embassy, immigration authority, foreign university or court, it usually must be a sworn translation. Confirm with the receiving organisation first.
Can I use Google Translate for a Tamil document?
Free tools help you understand the text, but they often mistranslate names and legal terms, and most organisations do not accept a machine translation of an official Tamil document.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Last updated 6 October 2026.