How to Translate a Chinese ID Card by Yourself
Are you looking to translate a Chinese ID card to English for use in the UK or another English-speaking country? Whether you need it for a visa application, school enrollment, job application, or legal verification, providing an accurate and properly formatted Chinese ID card translation is crucial. This guide will help you understand the process, provide example translations for each field, and show you how to format your work so it meets common requirements—including UK Home Office and legal standards.

Sample Translation
Identification Certification
The front
Name: Lin Juwei
Sex: Male
Nationality: Han
Date of Birth: 1987.12.17
Address: No 57,Xigou Daying,Hongguang Village,Xiongzhou Street,Liuhe District,Nanjing
Resident Identification Number: 320123198712170616
The reverse
Resident Identification Card of People’s Republic of China
Issued by: Nanjing City Police Station, Liuhe Sub-Station
Validity: 2015.12.26 –2035.12.26
When Do You Need a Chinese ID Card Translation?
If you plan to use your Chinese Resident Identity Card (居民身份证) as part of a UK visa application, for enrolling in school, applying for a job, or completing any official process in the UK, you will likely need to submit a certified Chinese ID translation UK authorities can accept. Many organisations require all foreign documents—including ID cards—to be translated into English, following official guidelines. For less formal situations, such as opening a bank account or providing identity evidence for a rental agreement, a self-translation of your Chinese ID card may be sufficient.
Step 1: Understand the Chinese Resident Identity Card
The Chinese Resident Identity Card includes several key fields that you must translate accurately. If you are preparing a Chinese ID card translation for UK immigration or legal purposes, accuracy and completeness are essential.
Here’s what you’ll typically find on a Chinese ID card:
· 姓名 (Name)
· 性别 (Sex/Gender)
· 民族 (Ethnicity)
· 出生日期 (Date of Birth)
· 住址 (Address)
· 公民身份号码 (Citizen ID Number)
· 签发机关 (Issuing Authority)
· 有效期限 (Period of Validity)
Step 2: Example Translations for Each Field
Below are example translations for each field—useful for anyone searching how to translate Chinese ID card or Chinese ID card translation template.
中文字段 | 英文翻译 (Example) |
姓名: 张伟 | Name: Zhang Wei |
性别: 男 | Sex: Male |
民族: 汉 | Ethnicity: Han |
出生日期: 1990年1月5日 | Date of Birth: 5 January 1990 |
住址: 广东省广州市天河区体育西路10号 | Address: 10 Tiyu West Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province |
公民身份号码: 110101199001015678X | Citizen ID Number: 110101199001015678X |
签发机关: 北京市公安局海淀分局 | Issuing Authority: Haidian Branch, Beijing Public Security Bureau |
有效期限: 2010.01.01–长期 | Validity: 1 January 2010 – Long-term (No expiry) |
If you are applying for a UK visa or submitting documents to the Home Office, ensure your English translation matches these official field names.
Step 3: Formatting Tips for Official Use
For your Chinese ID card translation to English, follow these formatting guidelines to ensure acceptance:
· Replicate the structure: Use a clear, list-style format and keep the order of the fields as they appear on the Chinese ID.
· Use consistent terminology: Stick to phrases like “Sex: Male” and “Ethnicity: Han.”
· Double-check names and numbers: The Citizen ID Number must be exactly correct. Any mistake can cause your document to be rejected.
· Provide both English and Chinese versions if required: Some authorities may request both for verification.

Step 4: Certification Statement (If Needed)
For most UK legal or immigration processes, a certified Chinese ID translation is required. This means the translation must include a statement by the translator certifying its accuracy, along with the translator’s name, signature, and contact details. If you are not a professional translator, your self-translation may not be accepted by the Home Office or other UK authorities, but including a certification statement can help for less formal needs.
Example certification statement:
I, [Your Name], certify that I am competent in both Chinese and English and that this is a true and accurate translation of the original Chinese Resident Identity Card.
Signature:
Date:
Contact information:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I translate my own Chinese ID card for a UK visa application?
A: For UK visa and official purposes, translations must be done by a qualified translator or a certified translation service. Self-translation is usually not accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For less formal needs, a self-translation may be fine.
Q: What if my ID card has uncommon fields or local language?
A: Always translate what is on the card as closely and clearly as possible. If you’re unsure of an address or ethnic group, research the official English translation or consult a professional.
Q: Do I need to translate both sides of the ID card?
A: Yes. For a complete Chinese ID card translation UK authorities will accept, translate all text, including both front and back of the card.
Conclusion: Translate Chinese ID to English Responsibly
Whether you’re preparing a Chinese ID card translation for UK visa, legal, or personal use, accuracy and completeness are key. Use the examples and templates in this guide to help you create a professional result. If you need a translation for official UK purposes, always use a certified Chinese ID translation UK provider to avoid delays or rejections.
For more tips on translating Chinese documents for UK immigration, school applications, or legal processes, or to request a professional translation, contact a qualified translation service experienced in Chinese to English document translation.