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. It is not a new license — it is a certified copy of what your original license says, in a language a U.S. authority can read.
You need a translation if you are driving in the United States with a license issued by another country and a police officer, rental car company, or insurance company asks to see it. Some states accept the original license alone if you also carry your passport. Other states require the translation to exist before you drive legally. A few states do not recognize foreign licenses at all, even with a translation.
The translation must be done by a certified translator — someone officially recognized by a court, a translation service, or a state licensing board. A friend or family member translating it for you does not count, even if they speak both languages fluently.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license translation is a certified English version of your foreign license, not a replacement license.
- Requirements vary by state: some accept your foreign license alone, some require a translation before you drive, and some do not recognize foreign licenses at all.
- Only a certified translator can produce a valid translation — friends or family members cannot, even if bilingual.
- Certified translators are found through court systems, professional translation agencies, or your state's motor vehicle department.
- The cost ranges from $15 to $50 per document depending on the translator and your location.
Where to find a certified translator
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency is the first place to ask. Call or visit their website and ask specifically: "Where can I get a certified translation of a foreign driver's license?" Many DMVs keep a list of approved translators or can tell you which certifications they accept.
If the DMV cannot help, contact your local court system. Most state courts maintain a roster of certified court interpreters and translators. Call the clerk's office and ask for the list of certified translators in your area. These translators are vetted by the court and their work is legally recognized.
Professional translation agencies in your city also offer certified translations. Search online for "certified translation services" plus your city name. Before you hire one, ask whether they are certified by the American Translators Association (ATA), your state's court system, or your state's licensing board. A translator who holds one of these certifications can produce a document that will be accepted by government agencies.
What information you need to bring
Bring your original foreign driver's license and a form of U.S. identification — a passport, state ID, or Social Security card. The translator needs to verify that you are the person named on the license.
Some translators will ask for a photocopy of your license and work from that. Others will want to see the original. Call ahead and ask what they need so you do not make an extra trip.
How long the translation takes and what it costs
A single driver's license translation usually takes one to three business days. Some translators offer rush service for an extra fee if you need it faster. Court-based translators may take longer because they handle many requests.
The cost ranges from $15 to $50 per document. Court translators are often on the lower end. Private translation agencies charge more but may be faster. Ask for the price before you schedule the appointment so there are no surprises.
What the translation document will look like
The translator will produce a typed English version of everything on your license — your name, date of birth, license number, address, restrictions, and expiration date. They will attach it to a photocopy of your original license or include both on the same page.
The translator will sign and date the translation and include their certification number or credentials. This signature and certification are what make it official. Without them, it is just a photocopy with handwriting on it, and no authority will accept it.
How to use the translation when you drive
Carry both your original foreign license and the certified translation together. If a police officer stops you, hand over both documents. If a rental car company asks for your license, show both. If your insurance company needs proof of your license, send copies of both.
Do not assume the translation is permanent. If your foreign license expires, the translation expires with it. If you move to a new state, check that state's rules about foreign licenses — the translation that worked in one state may not be accepted in another.
When you should get a U.S. driver's license instead
If you plan to stay in the United States for more than a few months, or if your foreign license is about to expire, getting a U.S. driver's license is usually simpler than relying on a translation. Each state has different rules about who can get a license and what documents you need, but most states issue licenses to people with valid visas or work permits.
Contact your state's DMV to learn what documents they require. You will likely need your passport, visa, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The process takes a few weeks and costs $20 to $100 depending on your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I translate my driver's license myself or have a friend do it?
No. Only a certified translator — someone officially recognized by a court, state licensing board, or professional organization — can produce a translation that authorities will accept. A friend or family member translating it, even if fluent in both languages, creates a document with no legal standing.
Do I need a translation if I also have my passport?
It depends on your state. Some states accept a foreign driver's license plus a passport without a translation. Others require the translation to exist. Call your state's DMV to find out what they require before you drive.
How long is a driver's license translation valid?
The translation is valid as long as your original foreign license is valid. Once your foreign license expires, the translation expires too. If you renew your foreign license, you will need a new translation of the renewed license.
What if I lose my translation after I get it?
Contact the translator who created it and ask for a duplicate copy. Most translators keep records and can issue a replacement for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. If you cannot reach the original translator, you can have a new translator create a fresh translation of your license.
Will a translation from my home country work in the United States?
No. A translation done in your home country may not meet U.S. standards for certification. You need a translation done by someone certified under U.S. law — either by a U.S. court system, a U.S. state licensing board, or the American Translators Association. Ask your state's DMV which certifications they accept.