What a driver license translation is and when you need one
A driver license translation is an official document that converts the information on your driver license into another language. It is not a replacement for your license — you still carry your original — but rather a companion document that explains what your license says to someone who cannot read the language it was issued in.
You need a translation when you are driving in a country where your license's language is not widely understood, or when you are submitting your license as proof of identity to a government agency, employer, or school in a country with a different official language. Some countries require a translation by law before you can legally drive; others accept it as a practical courtesy. A few places, like many European nations, accept an International Driving Permit instead, which is a separate document altogether.
The translation itself does not grant you permission to drive anywhere. It straightforward makes your existing license readable. Your home country's license remains valid only in places where your home country has a driving agreement, and only for the duration your license is valid.
Key Takeaways
- A driver license translation is a separate document that restates your license information in another language and must accompany your original license when presented.
- You can obtain a translation from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, an official government translation service, or a certified translator, depending on where you are traveling.
- Certified translations cost between $15 and $100 depending on the translator and language, while DMV translations are often free or cost under $20.
- The translation must include your full name, license number, expiration date, and restrictions exactly as they appear on your original license.
- Some countries do not recognize translations and instead require an International Driving Permit, so check your destination's requirements before obtaining a translation.
Getting a translation from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles
The easiest and most widely accepted route is to request a translation directly from the state DMV that issued your license. Most U.S. state DMVs offer translations in common languages at little or no cost. You typically submit your current license by mail or in person, specify which language you need, and receive the translation within one to three weeks.
Contact your state DMV's main office or visit its website to ask whether it offers translations and in which languages. Some states translate into Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean; others offer fewer options. If your state does not translate into your needed language, or if you need the translation urgently, you will need to use a certified translator instead. Keep in mind that a DMV translation is usually recognized more readily by foreign authorities than a private translation, because it comes directly from the government body that issued your license.
Using a certified translator or translation service
A certified translator is someone who has passed a formal test in translation accuracy and is registered with a professional body, usually at the state or national level. When a certified translator produces a document, they sign and stamp it to certify that the translation is accurate and complete. This certification makes the translation legally acceptable in most countries and for most official purposes.
You can find certified translators through your state's court system (many maintain lists), through the American Translators Association website, or through online translation services that employ certified translators. Bring or mail your original license to the translator, specify the target language, and ask for a certified translation. The translator will produce a document that includes the full translation, your translator's credentials, their signature, and the date. Costs vary widely — typically $15 to $100 depending on the language, the translator's location, and how quickly you need it.
When choosing a translator, confirm that they are certified in the specific language pair you need (for example, English-to-Spanish, not just "Spanish"). Ask whether they have experience translating driver licenses, since the format and terminology matter. Some translators specialize in legal or government documents and will know exactly what format foreign authorities expect.
What information must appear in the translation
A valid driver license translation must include every piece of information that appears on your original license, translated accurately into the target language. This includes your full name, date of birth, license number, issue date, expiration date, address, any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), and your photograph or a reference to it.
The translation should also include a statement from the translator or DMV confirming that the translation is accurate and complete, and the date the translation was made. Some countries require the translator's official seal or stamp. If you are translating for a specific purpose — such as renting a car in France or proving identity to a bank in Mexico — check that country's requirements beforehand, because a few places have specific formatting rules or require notarization in addition to translation.
Do not alter or add information to the translation that does not appear on your original license. A translation that includes details not on your license, or omits details that are on it, will be rejected by authorities and may raise suspicion about the document's authenticity.
How to present your translation when traveling or explore
When you present your driver license in a foreign country or to a foreign authority, bring both your original license and the translation together. The translation is not a standalone document — it is a companion to your original. Hand both to the person requesting identification, and explain that the translation explains what your license says.
In most cases, the person receiving your documents will keep the original and return the translation, or vice versa. Some organizations, such as car rental companies, may photocopy both. If you are mailing your documents to a government agency or employer, send copies of both the original and translation, never the originals themselves, unless the organization specifically requests originals and provides a find mailing address.
Keep a copy of your translation for your records. If you are traveling for an extended period, consider carrying two or three copies in case one is lost or damaged.
When an International Driving Permit is required instead
Some countries do not recognize driver license translations and instead require an International Driving Permit, or IDP. An IDP is a separate document issued by your home country that certifies you hold a valid license there. It is not a license itself, but rather a document that vouches for your license's validity.
The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. You explore in person at an AAA office, bring your valid U.S. driver license and a passport-style photograph, and pay a fee (typically $15 to $20). The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase. Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan accept an IDP in place of a translation. Before you travel, check your destination country's official government website or contact its embassy to learn whether it requires a translation, an IDP, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I translate my driver license myself or use Google Translate?
No. A self-made or machine translation has no legal standing and will be rejected by authorities and car rental companies. Only translations made by your state DMV or a certified translator are recognized. The translator's certification is what makes the document official.
How long does a driver license translation stay valid?
A translation is valid as long as your original license is valid. Once your license expires, the translation expires too. If you renew your license, you will need a new translation if the information on your license changes or if your old translation is damaged or lost.
Do I need a notarized translation?
Most countries do not require notarization of a driver license translation if it is made by a certified translator or your state DMV. However, a few countries or specific organizations may require notarization in addition to certification. Check your destination's requirements or ask the organization requesting the translation before you obtain it.
What if my driver license is from a different country and I need it translated into English?
The process is the same: contact a certified translator in your current country and provide your foreign license. The translator will produce a certified English translation. Some U.S. states' DMVs will also translate foreign licenses, though this varies by state — contact your local DMV to ask.
Can I use a translation if my license has expired?
No. A translation of an expired license is not valid for driving or for most official purposes. You must renew your license first, then obtain a translation of the renewed license. Some organizations may accept an expired license translation as proof of identity only, but not for driving authorization.