How to Translate Your Driver’s License for the DMV

What is a DMV?

The DMV is a state-level government agency that administers vehicle registration and driver licensing. Each state in the U.S. has its own DMV or an equivalent agency, although the exact name can vary from state to state. For example, in some states, it's known as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Department of Transportation (DOT), or Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Despite these variations, "DMV" is commonly understood and used across the U.S. to refer to the agency responsible for vehicle and driving-related services.

When you move to a new country or state where people speak a different language, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) needs to understand your driver's license to authorize you to drive on the streets of America. If your license is not in English, you will need to get certified translation for it. A certified translation is not just any translation. It's a special kind of translation done by someone who has official permission to do it. This person or company says, "Yes, this translation is correct and true to the original." This is important because the DMV wants to make sure your translated license is just like your original one, only in English.

Below, we will share the meticulous steps you should follow to translate your driver’s license for the DMV in the USA.

Visit the DMV Closest to You

When you need to translate your driver's license for the DMV, the first thing you should do is talk to your local DMV office. This step is very important because each DMV office might have different rules and things they want you to do.

1. You need to know where your nearest DMV office is. This is the place where you will take your translated driver's license later.
    
2. Every DMV office might ask for different things. So, you should ask them what exactly they need from you. They will tell you how your license should be translated, what details must be included, and if there are any special forms you need to fill out.
    
3. Sometimes, the DMV has a list of translation services they trust and want you to use. It’s good to ask them about this. If they recommend certain translators or services, it means your translated license is more likely to be accepted without problems.

Additionally, inquire about the DMV driving test and DMV written test, as your translated license will be crucial for these assessments. Understanding their format and requirements can better prepare you for obtaining your driver's permit.

Translate Your Driver’s License for the DMV

After you've talked to your local DMV office and know what they need, the next step is to actually get your driver's license translated. Here’s how you do it:

1. Choose a Certified Translator: You need to choose a certified translator or a certified translation service in USA that is recognized by the DMV.
    
2. Ask for a Quote and Delivery Time: Before you agree to anything, ask the translator how much it will cost to translate your license. This is called getting a quote. Also, ask how long it will take them to translate your license. You need to know this so you can plan when to go back to the DMV.
    
3. Send an Electronic Copy of Your License: You usually don’t need to give them your actual license. Instead, you can send them an electronic copy, like a scanned image or a clear photo of your license.
    
4. Check the Translation: Once the translator has finished, make sure the translation is correct and has everything on it. It should have all your personal information, license details, and any special notes that were on the original license.

Everything that is on your original license needs to be translated. Nothing should be left out. The DMV will check this.  

Notarizing the Translation of Your Driver’s License 

Not every DMV office asks for this, but some do, so it's important to find out if you need to do it.

Notarization is when a special official called a notary public checks your translated document. The notary makes sure the translation is true and correct. Then, they put a special stamp or seal on the document to say it has been checked and is official. This helps the DMV trust that the translation of your license is good and accurate.

Remember when you first talked to the DMV in Step 1? This is where that information is really important. Some DMVs will tell you if you need your translation notarized. If you're not sure, it's a good idea to ask them again.

Why Check? You need to check because if your DMV needs notarization and you don't get it, they might not accept your translated license. But if they don't need it, you can save time and money by not doing it.

Submit Your Driver’s License and its Translation

Now that you have your driver's license translated, the next step is to submit both the original license and the translation to the DMV. This step is crucial for the DMV to compare and verify the information.

The DMV needs to see your original driver's license to make sure it’s real and valid. They will look at things like your photo, the issue date, and any official stamps or seals on it, while the translated document is needed so the DMV staff, who may not understand the language of your original license, can read and understand all the information on it. Note, that your original license will be given back to you after they confirm the details on the translated version. It's a good idea to keep copies of both your original license and the translation for your records.

Verification and Approval

After you have translated your driver's license and submitted it to the DMV, they will check it. This step is called "verification." The DMV looks at the translated document to make sure everything is correct and matches the information on your original driver's license. They check things like your name, birth date, and the type of driver's license you have.

If the DMV finds that the translation is good and has all the right information, they will say it's okay. When your translated document is approved, it means the DMV accepts it as a valid version of your driver's license in their language.

In some cases, after approving your translated driver's license, the DMV might give you a new driver's license. This new license will have the information from your original license but in the local language. This is helpful because it lets police, car rental companies, and others know that you are legally allowed to drive.

General DMV Requirements for Translating Your License

Ask your local DMV for information on preparing for the DMV written test and DMV driving test, which you may need to take depending on your situation. Some DMVs also offer the option of taking a permit test online, which can be more convenient for most people.

• Certified  Translators/Translations of your foreign documents.
   
• Notarization Requirements (if applicable).
   
• Additional Documents i.e. proof of your address or identification.
   
• Check if the DMV lets you submit your translated license online, or if you need to go there in person.
   
• Different DMVs can charge different fees for processing your translated license. It's good to know how much this will cost you ahead of time. We have created a table below that contains the fee range of services you may need from any DMV around the US, as a foreigner.

How Much Does it Cost to Translate Your Driver’s License?

Most of the time, translators charge based on how many words they need to translate, and sometimes, they charge per page. This is a straightforward way to figure out the cost; the more words or pages you have, the more it will cost. Thankfully, a driver’s license has fewer words than most official documents. 

Per word, translations range between $0.05 - $0.50 & per page translations, from $20 - $130.

FAQs

Can You Translate a Universal Driver’s License?

Yes, a universal driver's license can be translated.

What Other Services do You Offer?

Other services Translayte offers, besides driver's license translation, include translating other documents like birth certificates, and educational certificates amongst others. We also provide notarization and apostille services. 

How do I Know If I Need a Translation of my License?

You will know you need translation for your driver’s license if you're in a place where the local language is different from the language on your license.

Why Should I use Your Translation Services?

Using professional translation services ensures accuracy and that the DMV will accept your translated license.

As a Foreigner, Where Can I Translate My Driver License?

You can translate your license at certified translation services in your area or ones recommended by the local DMV.

How to Get an Official Translation of a Driver's License in Italy?

In Italy, you can have your driver's license officially translated by a sworn/certified translator who has been sworn in or approved by the Italian courts, the Italian Chamber of Commerce, or is a member of an accredited translation institution in Italy.

How Much Does it Cost to get an International Driving License in India?

The cost varies, but you can find out by contacting the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India. It should cost between INR 800 - INR 1,000.