A full English translation of your foreign driver's license, with the translator's signed certification, for state DMVs, car insurers, rental companies and employers that accept certified translations.
A foreign driver's license translation for US use is needed when a state DMV, a car insurer, a rental company or an employer asks to read your license in English. VisaDocTranslation translates both sides of the license in full, including categories, restrictions and expiry dates, with the translator's signed certification, for $20.39 per page by the next working day.
One caution before you order: driver licensing in the US is run by each state, not by the federal government, so requirements vary from one DMV to the next. Some states accept a certified translation, some want an International Driving Permit, and some don't exchange foreign licenses at all. Check your state DMV's rules first. If you're moving permanently, your passport or ID card may need translating too.
United States
Accepted for
If your license isn't in English and a DMV, insurer, rental company or employer needs to read it, a certified translation is the usual answer, though each state and company sets its own rules. Check with the organization asking before you order.
There's no single national rule. Each state DMV decides which documents it accepts from visitors and new residents, and private companies such as insurers and rental agencies set their own policies on top. A license printed only in a non-Latin script is the case where a translation is most often requested, but even Latin-script licenses can need one if the categories and restrictions are in another language.
Our translation covers both sides: your name, date of birth, license number, issue and expiry dates, the issuing authority, every vehicle category with its dates, and any restriction codes. In US terms, fifty states means fifty opinions, which is why we'd rather you check than guess.
It depends on the state and the country that issued your license. A number of states have agreements with specific countries that allow an exchange without the full tests; most new residents from other countries take the written and road tests. Your state DMV's website lists its current rules.
Where an exchange agreement exists, the DMV may ask for the original license, proof of identity and residence, and a translation of the license if it isn't in English. Some DMVs specify who may translate, or accept only an International Driving Permit or a translation from a consulate, so read the requirements carefully before ordering. Where there's no agreement, the foreign license may still be useful as evidence of driving history, though you'll usually need to pass the tests.
As a new resident, you're usually expected to get a state license within a set period after moving, and that period varies by state. We can't tell you your state's deadline, but your DMV can, and it's worth knowing before your insurer asks.
No. An International Driving Permit is a standardized booklet issued in the country that issued your license, usually before you travel, and it is generally valid only alongside the license itself. A certified translation is a full English translation of your license with a translator's signed certification.
The two do different jobs. An IDP is a recognized format that many visitors carry for driving and car rental, and it has to come from your home country, so it isn't something a US office or a translation company can issue. A certified translation, by contrast, can be ordered from anywhere and covers everything on your license, including details an IDP doesn't show.
Some DMVs and rental companies ask specifically for an IDP; others accept a certified translation; some accept either. If you're visiting, an IDP from home is often the simplest option. If you've already moved, or an organization specifically asks for a translation, that's where we come in.
Many accept a certified English translation, especially for licenses in a non-Latin script, but policies vary by company and location. Confirm with the insurer or rental branch before you order.
Insurers often want to see how long you've been licensed, because driving experience affects your premium. A translated license shows the issue dates and categories; a letter from your previous insurer about your claims history can help too, and we translate those as well. Rental companies mostly want to confirm that you're licensed for the vehicle category you're renting and that the license is valid.
Employers sometimes need a translated license for driving roles or company vehicle insurance. Whoever's asking, the same certified translation works, as long as the license hasn't changed. Renewing your license resets the clock on the translation too, since the dates on it change.
$20.39 per page with delivery by the next working day, or $40.08 per page for rush delivery within 8 hours. A card license, front and back, is usually priced as one page.
Upload clear photos of both sides on the quote form and you'll see the total before paying. Every document includes 2 free revisions.
Some DMVs or institutions ask for a notarized translation. If yours does, add notarization at checkout for $26.45 per document; it's for US use only and uses standard delivery. For immigration documents, see our USCIS certified translation page, and for a full move you may also need your birth certificate translated.
Requirements vary by state. Many DMVs accept a certified translation, but some require an International Driving Permit, a translation from a consulate or a translator they approve. Check your state DMV's current rules before ordering.
Many states allow visitors to drive on a valid foreign license for a limited period, often with an International Driving Permit or translation recommended. Rules differ by state, so check before you drive.
Yes. Both sides are translated in full, including vehicle categories, restriction codes, issue and expiry dates, and the issuing authority.
No. An International Driving Permit can only be issued in the country that issued your license. We provide certified English translations.
Only in states that have an exchange agreement with the country that issued your license. Otherwise you'll usually take the written and road tests. Your state DMV lists its agreements.
Rarely. USCIS usually relies on your passport for identity. Translate a foreign license only if a form or an officer specifically asks for it.
Only if the DMV or organization asks for notarization. If so, add it at checkout for $26.45 per document.
Standard delivery is by the next working day at $20.39 per page, and rush delivery is within 8 hours at $40.08 per page.
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