What a New Jersey driver's license translation is and when you need one
A New Jersey driver's license translation is an official document that converts your non-English driver's license into English. It is not a replacement license — it is a companion document that proves what your original license says. You need one if you hold a valid driver's license from another country and plan to drive in New Jersey, because New Jersey law requires that any license not issued in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
The translation does not change your driving privileges or status. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to police officers, insurance companies, and rental car agencies in the United States. If you are a visitor or temporary resident, you can drive on your foreign license plus translation for the duration your home country's license remains valid. If you plan to become a New Jersey resident, you will eventually need to exchange your foreign license for a New Jersey license, but the translation buys you time to do that.
New Jersey does not issue translations itself. Instead, the state recognizes translations completed by specific organizations and certified by a notary public. This means you have options for where to get the work done, but the final document must meet New Jersey's standards to be legally valid.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey requires a certified English translation of any non-English driver's license, but the state does not produce these translations itself.
- The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) both offer official translations that New Jersey recognizes.
- A notary public must certify the translation — a signature and seal from a notary is what makes it legally valid in New Jersey.
- The translation process typically takes one to two weeks and costs between $15 and $50, depending on which organization you use.
- Your translated license is valid for as long as your original foreign license is valid, but you cannot renew it in New Jersey — you must exchange it for a New Jersey license to continue driving.
Where to get your driver's license translated in New Jersey
The two main organizations that provide official translations recognized by New Jersey are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Both have been approved by New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission to produce translations that meet state standards.
If you are an AAA member, you can request a translation through your local AAA office or online. AAA typically charges between $15 and $25 for a translation and can often complete it within a few business days if you submit your license in person. Non-members can also use AAA's service, though some offices may charge a slightly higher fee.
AAMVA offers translations through its website and by mail. You send your original license and a completed form to AAMVA, and they return a certified translation within one to two weeks. AAMVA's cost is usually between $20 and $50, depending on the language and complexity of the license. This option works well if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to handle everything by mail.
Some private translation services and notary publics in New Jersey also offer driver's license translations, but you must verify that they follow New Jersey's specific format and certification requirements. Not all translations are accepted — the document must clearly state that it is a certified translation of a driver's license and include the translator's credentials and a notary's seal.
What information you need to provide and what the translation will include
To request a translation, you will need to provide your original foreign driver's license. Most organizations ask you to submit a clear photocopy or scan, though some may request the original temporarily. You will also need to fill out a short form with your name, address, and the language of your original license.
The certified translation will include all the key information from your original license: your name, date of birth, license number, the country or state that issued it, the issue and expiration dates, and any restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses or manual transmission only). The translation will be printed on official letterhead or a standard form, and it will include a statement from the translator certifying that the translation is accurate and complete.
The translation will also bear a notary public's seal and signature, which is what makes it legally binding in New Jersey. Without the notary seal, the document is not considered certified and will not be accepted by police or insurance companies. This is why you cannot straightforward translate your license yourself or use an online translation tool — the notary certification is the legal requirement.
How long the translation is valid and what happens when your foreign license expires
Your translated license is valid for as long as your original foreign driver's license is valid. If your home country's license expires in three years, your translation is also good for three years. The translation does not extend the life of your original license — it only makes it readable in English.
Once your foreign license expires, the translation is no longer valid, even if the translation document itself is still in good condition. At that point, you have two options: renew your foreign license (if you are still may be able to access to do so in your home country) and get a new translation, or exchange your foreign license for a New Jersey driver's license.
If you plan to stay in New Jersey permanently or for an extended period, most people eventually exchange their foreign license for a New Jersey license rather than repeatedly renewing and translating. To exchange a license, you will need to visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office with your foreign license, translation, proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and proof of Social Security number. The exchange process is faster than a full road test in many cases, though requirements vary depending on which country issued your original license.
Cost and timeline for getting a translation
The cost of a certified translation ranges from $15 to $50, depending on which organization you use and how quickly you need it. AAA is typically the least expensive option for members, while AAMVA and private services may charge more. Some notary publics will translate a driver's license for $20 to $40, but you must confirm in advance that they understand New Jersey's specific requirements.
The timeline also varies. If you submit your license in person to an AAA office, you may receive your translation the same day or within a few business days. If you use AAMVA by mail, expect one to two weeks from the time they receive your documents. Private notaries can sometimes complete translations within 24 hours if you visit in person, but this depends on their workload.
Plan ahead if you need your translation for a specific important date, such as registering a vehicle or obtaining insurance. Most insurance companies will accept a translation that is in progress, but police will not — you must have the completed, notarized document in your vehicle if you are stopped while driving.
Using your translated license for insurance and vehicle registration
Insurance companies in New Jersey will accept your foreign driver's license plus certified translation when you purchase a policy. You will need to provide both documents — the original license and the translation — so the insurance company can verify your driving history and license status. Some insurers may ask for additional documentation if your license is from a country with which they are unfamiliar, but the translation satisfies the basic requirement.
For vehicle registration, New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission also accepts a foreign license plus translation. You can register a vehicle in your name using these documents, though you will still need to provide proof of residency, insurance, and vehicle ownership. The translation makes your license readable to the registration clerk and satisfies the state's requirement that all documents be in English.
If you rent a car in New Jersey, the rental company will accept your foreign license plus translation, though some companies may also ask to see your home country's International Driving Permit (IDP) as an additional form of identification. The IDP is not required by New Jersey law, but rental companies sometimes request it as a standard practice.
What to do if your translation is lost, damaged, or rejected
If your translation is lost or damaged, you will need to request a new one from the same organization that issued the original. Keep the organization's contact information and your order number or receipt so you can request a replacement quickly. Most organizations can reissue a translation within a few business days if they have your information on file.
If a police officer or insurance company rejects your translation, it is usually because the document does not meet New Jersey's certification standards. This can happen if the translation was not notarized, if the notary seal is unclear, or if the translator did not include required information. If this occurs, contact the organization that produced the translation and ask them to provide a corrected version or to explain what information is missing.
If you used a private notary or translation service and the translation is rejected, you may need to use AAA or AAMVA instead, as these organizations are explicitly recognized by New Jersey and their translations are rarely disputed. Keep a copy of any rejection letter so you can show it to the new translator and explain what went wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in New Jersey on just my foreign license without a translation?
No. New Jersey law requires that any driver's license not issued in English be accompanied by a certified English translation. Driving without the translation could result in a citation, even if your license itself is valid. The translation must be in your vehicle whenever you drive.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as a translation?
No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a separate document issued by your home country that translates your license information into multiple languages. It is useful for travel, but New Jersey specifically requires a certified English translation, not an IDP. You may carry both, but the translation is the one New Jersey law requires.
How do I know if my translation meets New Jersey's standards?
If your translation was produced by AAA or AAMVA and includes a notary public's seal and signature, it meets New Jersey's standards. The document should clearly state that it is a certified translation of a driver's license. If you are unsure, contact the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or the organization that produced the translation to confirm.
Can I get my translation notarized by any notary public, or does it have to be a specific one?
Any notary public licensed in New Jersey can notarize a translation, but the translator and notary are usually the same person or work together. If you use AAA or AAMVA, they handle both the translation and notarization. If you use a private notary, make sure they understand that the document must be a certified translation of a driver's license and that they include all required information on the notary seal.
What happens if I move out of New Jersey — is my translation still valid in another state?
A New Jersey-certified translation is specific to New Jersey's requirements and may not be accepted in other states. Each state has its own rules about foreign driver's licenses and translations. If you move, you may need to obtain a new translation that meets your new state's standards, or you may need to exchange your foreign license for a license in that state.