What a driver license translation is and why you might need one
A driver license translation is an official document that converts your foreign driver license into English so U.S. authorities can read it. You need one if you have a valid license from another country and want to drive legally in the United States while you work toward getting a U.S. license, or if you're visiting and plan to rent a car.
The translation itself is not a license — it's a companion document that sits alongside your original foreign license. Police officers, car rental companies, and insurance companies use it to verify your driving record and confirm you're authorized to drive. Without it, your foreign license alone may not be accepted as proof of driving authority.
The rules about whether you need a translation vary by state and by how long you plan to stay. Some states accept foreign licenses for up to one year; others require a translation when ready. If you're planning to move to the U.S. permanently or stay longer than a few months, you'll eventually need to exchange your foreign license for a state license anyway — but a translation can help you drive legally in the meantime.
Key Takeaways
- A driver license translation is an English version of your foreign license that you carry alongside the original document.
- You can get a translation from your state's DMV office, an approved translation service, or an international automobile association like AAA.
- Bring your original foreign license, a valid passport or ID, and proof of your U.S. address to the DMV or translation service.
- Translation costs range from $10 to $50 depending on where you get it done, and the process usually takes one to two weeks.
- Some states accept translations from any certified translator, while others require translations from specific DMV-approved vendors.
Where to get a driver license translation
Your state's DMV office is often the fastest and most reliable source. Many DMV locations offer translation services directly, or they maintain a list of approved translators in your area. Call your local DMV office or check its website to ask whether it provides translations on-site or can refer you to an authorized service.
If your DMV doesn't translate licenses, look for a certified translation service in your area. These are private businesses staffed by professional translators who are certified by the state or by a national organization. Search online for "certified driver license translation near me" or "certified translator [your city]" to find local options. Many translation services can complete the work in one to two weeks.
AAA (American Automobile Association) also offers driver license translations at many of its local offices, even if you're not a member. Call ahead to confirm the service is available at your nearest AAA location and ask about the cost.
Some states also accept translations from the International Driving Permit (IDP) program, which is issued by AAA and other automobile associations. An IDP is not a license itself, but it's an official translation booklet that works in place of a separate translation document in many countries and some U.S. states. Check your state's DMV website to see whether an IDP meets its requirements.
What documents to bring
Bring your original foreign driver license and a valid form of identification — usually your passport. Some translation services also ask for proof of your U.S. address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Call ahead to confirm what the specific service needs, because requirements vary.
If you're having the translation done by mail, you'll typically need to send photocopies of your license and ID, not the originals. The translation service will return the copies along with the translated document. Never send your original passport or license by mail unless the service explicitly instructs you to do so and provides a prepaid return envelope.
How much a translation costs and how long it takes
DMV translations typically cost $10 to $25, depending on the state. Certified translation services charge $20 to $50 per document. AAA translations usually fall in the $15 to $30 range for members and non-members alike. International Driving Permits cost around $20 and are valid for three years.
Turnaround time depends on where you go. DMV offices may complete a translation the same day or within a few business days if you walk in. Certified translation services usually take one to two weeks. Mail-in services take longer — typically two to four weeks once they receive your documents, plus shipping time both ways.
If you need a translation urgently, call local DMV offices and translation services to ask about rush options. Some offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies.
State-specific rules about which translations are accepted
Not all states accept translations from any source. Some states require that your translation come from a DMV-approved vendor, while others accept any certified translator. A few states have their own official translation form that the translator must use.
Before you pay for a translation, visit your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm which sources are acceptable. This step takes five minutes and can save you money and time — you don't want to pay for a translation only to learn it doesn't meet your state's requirements.
If you're moving to a different state or traveling through multiple states, remember that a translation valid in one state may not be valid in another. Carry your original foreign license and the translation together at all times, and be prepared to explain what the document is if a police officer asks.
What happens after you get a translation
Once you have your translation, carry it with your original foreign license whenever you drive. The two documents work together — the original proves you have a valid license from your home country, and the translation proves you can read and understand the rules of the road in English.
A translation is temporary. It does not extend the validity of your foreign license, and it does not convert your license to a U.S. license. If your foreign license expires, the translation becomes invalid too. If you plan to stay in the U.S. long-term, you'll need to exchange your foreign license for a state license before your translation expires or before your foreign license expires, whichever comes first.
Most states allow you to drive on a valid foreign license and translation for up to one year. After that, you must obtain a state license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact timeline and the steps to exchange your foreign license for a state license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a translation I did myself or had a friend do?
No. Police and rental companies require translations done by a certified translator or an official source like the DMV or AAA. A personal translation has no legal standing. Even if the translation is accurate, it won't be accepted as proof of your driving authority.
Do I need an International Driving Permit instead of a translation?
An IDP and a translation serve similar purposes, but they're not the same. An IDP is a booklet issued by automobile associations; a translation is a document that translates your existing license. Some states accept an IDP in place of a translation, while others require both. Check your state's DMV website to see which one you need.
What if my foreign license is expired?
You cannot get a translation of an expired license, and you cannot drive on an expired license even with a translation. If your license has expired, you'll need to renew it in your home country first, then get it translated. Contact your home country's equivalent of the DMV to learn how to renew by mail or in person.
How long is a translation valid?
A translation is valid as long as your original foreign license is valid. If your license expires in two years, your translation expires in two years. When your license expires, you must renew it in your home country and get a new translation, or exchange it for a U.S. license.
Can I get a translation at the DMV at the same time I explore for a state license?
Usually not. Most DMVs require you to have a valid translation before you explore for a state license, because the translation helps them verify your driving history. Plan to get the translation first, then use it when you explore for your state license a few weeks later.