What a certified translation is and when you need one
A certified translation is an official copy of your driver's license translated into another language, signed by a professional translator who swears the translation is accurate. You need one when a government agency, employer, school, or court requires proof that your license information has been correctly converted from one language to another — they will not accept a photocopy, a phone photo, or a translation done by a friend.
The most common reasons to get a certified translation are: explore for a job that requires background checks, moving to another country and needing to exchange your license for a local one, proving your identity to a court or government office in a different language region, or meeting requirements for professional licensing in a field like healthcare or transportation.
The translator you hire must be certified or notarized in the target language and jurisdiction. A certified translation is not the same as a notarized translation — some places require one, some the other, and some require both. Before you pay for a translation, contact the organization that asked for it and ask exactly what form they need.
Key Takeaways
- A certified translation requires a professional translator who is registered or certified in your state or country, not just someone who speaks both languages.
- You must provide the original driver's license or an official copy; translators will not work from a photo or a copy made at home.
- The translator will sign and stamp the translation, certifying under penalty of perjury that it is accurate and complete.
- Cost ranges from $25 to $100 per document depending on the translator's location and the language pair, and turnaround is usually 3 to 7 business days.
- Some organizations accept only translations from translators on their approved list, so check before you hire someone.
Finding a certified translator
Start by asking the organization that requested the translation whether they have a list of approved translators. Many courts, immigration offices, and employers maintain rosters of certified professionals they trust. If they do, use someone on that list — a translation from an unapproved translator may be rejected even if it is correct.
If no approved list exists, search for "certified translator" plus your state and the language you need. The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) and the American Translators Association (ATA) both maintain searchable directories of members. Not all certified translators appear in these directories, but members have met professional standards and carry liability insurance.
You can also contact your state's court system or your state bar association — both often have referral lists for certified translators used in legal proceedings. Local colleges and universities with translation or linguistics programs sometimes maintain lists of graduates who offer translation services. Call ahead to confirm they work with driver's licenses and can meet your important date.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring the original driver's license or an official certified copy. Do not bring a photocopy, a scan, or a photo from your phone — translators are required to work from an original or official document to certify the translation. If you cannot bring the original in person, ask the translator whether they accept certified copies mailed or scanned directly from the issuing agency.
The translator will ask you to confirm your name, the license number, and the expiration date. They will translate every field on the license — name, address, license number, class, restrictions, issue date, expiration date, and any endorsements. They will then sign the translation and add a statement certifying that they are may have access to to translate, that the translation is accurate and complete, and that they understand the penalties for providing a false certification.
Some translators will notarize the translation at the same time; others will not. Ask whether notarization is included in the price. If the organization that requested the translation requires notarization and the translator does not provide it, you will need to take the signed translation to a notary public separately, which adds time and cost.
Cost and turnaround time
A certified translation of a driver's license typically costs between $25 and $100, depending on the translator's location, experience, and the language pair. Urban areas and less common languages tend to cost more. Some translators charge a flat rate per document; others charge by the word or by the hour. Ask for a quote before you commit.
Turnaround time is usually 3 to 7 business days if you drop off the license in person or mail it to the translator. Rush services are available from some translators for an additional fee, typically 50 to 100 percent more, and can reduce turnaround to 24 to 48 hours. Online translation services that advertise same-day turnaround should be approached with caution — they may not meet the certification standards your organization requires.
Ask the translator how many copies they will provide. Most include one certified copy with your order. If you need multiple copies, ask whether additional copies cost extra or whether you can make photocopies of the certified translation yourself. Some organizations accept photocopies of a certified translation; others require an original certified copy for each submission.
Certified versus notarized translations
A certified translation is signed by the translator, who swears under penalty of perjury that the translation is accurate. The translator's signature and statement are the certification. A notarized translation is a translation that has also been signed by a notary public, who verifies the translator's identity and witnesses their signature.
Some organizations require only a certified translation. Others require notarization in addition to certification. A few require notarization but not translator certification — in that case, any notary can notarize a translation done by anyone, even if the translator is not certified. Before you pay, confirm which one the organization needs. Asking for the wrong type wastes time and money.
If you need both certification and notarization, some translators offer both services in one visit. Others will provide the certified translation and direct you to a notary to complete the notarization separately. The notary step usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $5 to $25, depending on your state and the notary's location.
What to do if the translator is not available or certified in your area
If you live in a rural area or need a rare language pair, certified translators may not be available locally. In that case, you can hire a translator who works remotely. Many certified translators accept documents by mail or email and return the certified translation by mail or email. Confirm that they are certified in your state or in the state where the translation will be used, because certification requirements vary by jurisdiction.
If remote translation is not an option, contact the organization that requested the translation and ask whether they will accept a translation from a certified translator in a different state or country. Some will; others require certification in their specific jurisdiction. A few will accept a translation from any translator as long as it is notarized by a notary in their state.
Online translation platforms that advertise certified translations should be verified carefully. Confirm that the translator is actually certified in your state or the relevant jurisdiction, not just registered with the platform. Ask for the translator's certification number and verify it with your state's licensing board or the relevant professional organization before you pay.
After you receive the certified translation
When the translator delivers the certified translation, check it against the original license to confirm all information is correct — name, license number, address, class, restrictions, and dates. If you spot an error, contact the translator when ready and ask for a corrected version. Most translators will correct errors at no additional charge if the mistake was theirs.
Make a photocopy of the certified translation for your records before you submit it to the organization that requested it. Keep the original in a safe place. If the organization loses the translation or asks for another copy later, you will have a backup. Some organizations will accept a photocopy of the certified translation; others require the original. Ask before you submit.
If the organization rejects the translation, ask them why. Common reasons include: the translator was not on their approved list, the translation was not notarized when notarization was required, or the translator's certification was not valid in that jurisdiction. Once you know the reason, you can either hire a different translator or ask the original translator to correct the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I translate my driver's license myself if I am bilingual?
No. Organizations that request a certified translation require it to be done by a professional translator who is certified or registered in the relevant jurisdiction and who signs the translation under penalty of perjury. A translation done by a friend or family member, even if accurate, will be rejected.
How long is a certified translation valid?
A certified translation does not expire, but the information on it becomes outdated if your driver's license is renewed or if you move and update your address. If your license has changed since the translation was made, the organization that requested it may ask for a new translation. Check with them before you assume an old translation is still usable.
Do I need a certified translation if I am renewing my driver's license in another country?
It depends on the country and the specific requirements of their licensing authority. Some countries accept a certified translation; others require an International Driving Permit or a specific form of translation. Contact the licensing authority in the country where you are moving and ask what documents they need before you pay for a translation.
Can a notary public provide a certified translation?
No. A notary public can notarize a translation, but they cannot certify it. Certification requires a professional translator. You may need both — a translator to certify the translation and a notary to notarize the translator's signature — but they are two separate services performed by two different people.
What if my driver's license is expired?
An expired license can still be translated and certified. The translator will translate all information on the license, including the expiration date. The organization that requested the translation will decide whether an expired license is acceptable for their purposes. If they reject it because it is expired, you may need to renew your license first.