What a driver's license translation is and when you need one
A driver's license translation is an official document that converts the text on your foreign driver's license into English. Australian authorities, car rental companies, and police will accept a translation alongside your original license in most situations — but only if it meets specific standards.
You need a translation if your license is in any language other than English and you plan to drive in Australia. This includes temporary visits, working holidays, or permanent relocation. A photocopy of your license with handwritten translations will not work; the translation must come from an accredited translator.
The translation does not replace your original license. You must carry both documents together — the original foreign license and the official translation — whenever you drive.
Key Takeaways
- Your foreign driver's license must be translated by an accredited translator listed on the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) register.
- The translation must include your name, date of birth, license number, and expiry date, and the translator must certify it as a true and accurate translation.
- You can obtain a translation in person from a NAATI translator, by post, or online through some accredited services, with costs typically ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the translator and method.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a separate document that some visitors use instead of a translation, though both documents together provide the strongest proof of your driving rights.
- State-based transport authorities accept translated licenses, but rental car companies and police may have different requirements, so confirm what you need before you drive.
Finding an accredited translator in Australia
The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) maintains a public register of accredited translators. You can search this register on the NAATI website by language pair (for example, Spanish to English) and by location. Only translators listed on this register can produce a translation that Australian authorities will recognise.
To find a translator, visit the NAATI website, select "Find a Translator", and search by the language of your license and your state or territory. The register shows each translator's contact details, whether they work in person or remotely, and their accreditation level. Most translators who handle driver's licenses hold a Professional Translator (PT) or Certified Translator (CT) credential.
If you cannot find a translator in your area, many accredited translators work online and can accept documents by email or post. Some larger translation services have multiple translators and can turn around a driver's license translation within one to three business days.
What information the translator must include
The translation must cover all the key details from your original license: your full name, date of birth, license number, expiry date, and any conditions or restrictions on your license (such as glasses required, or automatic transmission only). The translator must also include a certification statement — a signed declaration that they are accredited, that they have translated the document accurately, and that the translation is a true and complete record of the original.
The certification statement typically reads something like: "I certify that I am an accredited translator and that the above is a true and accurate translation of the original document." The translator signs and dates this statement, and includes their NAATI registration number and credentials.
Some translators will also attach a copy of the original license to the translation for reference. This is helpful but not required. What matters is that the translation itself is complete, certified, and comes from someone on the NAATI register.
How to order a translation and typical costs
Contact the translator directly by phone, email, or through their website. You will need to provide a clear photocopy or digital image of both sides of your license. Some translators ask you to mail the original license; others work from a scan or photo you send electronically.
Costs vary depending on the translator and the method. In-person translations at a translator's office typically cost between $50 and $100. Online or postal translations usually cost between $70 and $150, with higher fees reflecting faster turnaround times. Some translators charge a flat rate; others charge by the word or by the hour. Ask for a quote before you commit.
Turnaround time ranges from same-day (if you visit in person) to five to ten business days (if you post the document). Online services often offer a middle ground: three to five business days for a scanned document. If you need the translation urgently, ask the translator whether they offer a rush service and what the extra cost is.
Using your translated license when you drive
Once you have the translation, keep it with your original license at all times when you drive. Police, rental car companies, and transport authorities will ask to see both documents together. The translation alone is not sufficient; you must have the original license as well.
If you are renting a car, contact the rental company in advance and ask whether they accept a translated foreign license or whether they require an International Driving Permit. Most major rental companies accept a translation, but some have their own policies. Having both a translation and an IDP removes any doubt.
If you are stopped by police, hand over both your original license and the translation. The officer will check that the translation is certified and that it matches the original. A translation from an accredited NAATI translator will satisfy this check.
International Driving Permit as an alternative or addition
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a separate document issued by your home country that translates your license information into multiple languages. It is not a replacement for your license; it is a companion document, similar to a translation.
You obtain an IDP from your home country's transport authority before you leave — not in Australia. Some countries issue them for free or a small fee; others charge more. An IDP is valid for one to three years depending on your home country's rules.
An IDP and a translation serve the same purpose, so you do not need both. However, some visitors carry both because an IDP is issued by a government body and may be recognised more readily by rental companies or police in some situations. If you already have an IDP from your home country, you do not need to order a translation. If you do not have one and cannot obtain one before you arrive in Australia, a NAATI translation is the standard solution.
What happens if your license expires while you are in Australia
A translation is only valid as long as your original license is valid. If your foreign license expires, the translation expires with it. You cannot renew a foreign license in Australia; you must either renew it through your home country (by post or online if they offer that service) or explore for an Australian driver's license.
If you are a permanent resident or citizen, you can explore for an Australian license through your state or territory's transport authority. If you are a temporary visitor, you can continue to drive on your foreign license and translation for as long as your visa allows, but you will need to renew the license itself through your home country before it expires.
Check the expiry date on your original license before you order a translation. If it expires within the next few months, it may be more practical to renew it first, then have the new license translated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I translate my driver's license myself or use an online translation tool?
No. Australian authorities only recognise translations from accredited NAATI translators. Machine translations, translations by friends, or translations you create yourself will not be accepted by police, rental companies, or transport authorities. You must use someone on the NAATI register.
How long does a translation last?
A translation is valid for as long as your original license is valid. Once your foreign license expires, the translation is no longer useful. If you renew your license in your home country, you will need a new translation of the renewed license.
Do I need a translation if I have an International Driving Permit?
No. An IDP serves the same purpose as a translation. If you have an IDP issued by your home country, you do not need to order a separate translation. If you do not have an IDP and cannot obtain one before you arrive, a NAATI translation is the standard alternative.
Will a translation work for all states and territories in Australia?
Yes. A NAATI-certified translation is recognised across all Australian states and territories. However, individual rental car companies or employers may have their own policies, so it is worth confirming with them directly before you drive or start work.
What if my license has conditions or restrictions written in my home language?
The translator must translate these conditions as well. For example, if your license says "glasses required" in your home language, the translation must include "glasses required" in English. Tell the translator about any conditions on your license so they include them in the certified translation.