Certified translation service
Driving Licence Translation
What is a certified driving licence translation?
A certified driving licence translation is a word-for-word English rendering of a foreign driving licence, produced by a UK-registered professional translator and issued with a signed certificate of accuracy that names the translator, states their credentials and contact details, and is accepted by the DVLA, UK insurers and overseas authorities.
When do I need a driving licence translation?
You need a driving licence translation when the DVLA requires it for a foreign licence exchange, when a UK insurer or car-hire company asks for an English version, or when an overseas authority (for example Japan's JAF, German classification bodies or Singapore's LTA) requires an official translation to accompany your original licence.
How much does a certified driving licence translation cost in the UK?
A certified driving licence translation in the UK costs from £25 per document as a fixed price for a standard single-page licence, or £0.10–£0.20 per word for longer or unusual documents, with same-day and weekend delivery available at a 30–50% surcharge and a signed certificate of accuracy included at no extra cost.
How long does it take to get a driving licence translation?
A certified driving licence translation takes 2–3 working days as standard, with same-day and weekend delivery available at a 30–50% surcharge; embassy translations and destination-country services such as JAF typically take longer — around 4 working days at the Embassy of Japan in London and 1–2 days once submitted to JAF in Japan.
How can I get an official translation of my driving licence?
To get an official translation of your driving licence, send a clear scan of the front and back to a UK-registered translation agency, receive a fixed quote, approve the order, and receive the certified translation by digital PDF and hard-copy post within 2–3 working days, ready for submission to the DVLA or overseas authorities.
Where can I get my driving licence translated for use in the UK?
You can get your driving licence translated for UK use by a London-based certified translation agency that is a member of the CIOL, ITI or ATC, works to an ISO 17100 workflow, and delivers a signed certificate of accuracy accepted by the DVLA, UK insurers and UK courts.
Certified translation of foreign driving licences into English is a routine requirement for the DVLA, UK insurers, car-hire firms and overseas authorities. Our London office delivers a signed certificate of accuracy under an ISO 17100 workflow, in 150+ languages, from £25 per document, in 2–3 working days — as part of our wider Document Translation UK: Certified Services for Visas, Legal, Academic and Business Documents service.
What is a certified driving licence translation?
A certified driving licence translation is a word-for-word English rendering of a foreign driving licence, produced by a UK-registered professional translator. It is issued with a signed certificate of accuracy that names the translator, states their credentials, and lists contact details. The DVLA, UK insurers and overseas authorities recognise this format.
When do I need a driving licence translation?
You need a driving licence translation when the DVLA requires it for a foreign licence exchange, when a UK insurer or car-hire firm asks for an English version, or when an overseas authority requires an official translation alongside your original licence. This includes JAF in Japan, classification bodies in Germany, and the LTA in Singapore.
Common triggers for needing to translate driving licences:
Do I need a certified translation to exchange a foreign driving licence with the DVLA?
Yes — the DVLA requires a certified English translation of any foreign driving licence not written in English. Only translations from a recognised professional translator or translation company are accepted, submitted to the DVLA in hard copy alongside the D1 form. Self-translation and informal translations are rejected on receipt.
Can I use my foreign driving licence in the UK without translation?
Visitors can drive in the UK on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months without a translation. Insurers and police checks run faster with a certified English translation, and a translation becomes mandatory once you apply to exchange the licence with the DVLA.
Do I need to translate my driving licence for car hire abroad?
Car hire abroad often requires an official translation with your original licence. Requirements vary by destination:
| Destination | Requirement |
|---|---|
| France (short-stay) | Foreign licence plus official translation. |
| Japan | JAF translation or a 1949-Convention IDP. |
| Germany (non-EU licences) | Translation plus classification. |
| Singapore (conversion) | Scanned licence plus authorised translation. |
How much does a certified driving licence translation cost in the UK?
A certified driving licence translation in the UK costs from £25 per document as a fixed price for a standard single-page licence, or £0.10–£0.20 per source word for longer or unusual documents. Same-day and weekend delivery add a 30–50% surcharge. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard single-page licence | From £25 per document |
| Longer or non-standard documents | £0.10–£0.20 per source word |
| Certificate of accuracy | Included |
| Same-day or weekend delivery | +30% to +50% surcharge |
| Hard-copy post to any UK address | Included |
What is included in the price of a driving licence translation?
The price of the driving licence translation service includes:
What affects the price of a translated driving licence?
Four factors change the price:
- Language pair rarity — rarer pairs sit at the top of the per-word band.
- Document length — anything beyond a standard two-sided card is priced per word.
- Subject complexity — vocational categories and endorsements take longer to certify.
- Urgency — same-day or weekend delivery adds 30–50% to the standard price.
How long does it take to get a driving licence translation?
A certified driving licence translation takes 2–3 working days as standard. Same-day and weekend delivery are available at a 30–50% surcharge. Embassy and destination-country services take longer — around 4 working days at the Embassy of Japan in London, and 1–2 days once submitted to JAF in Japan.
Typical turnaround time by route:
| Route | Turnaround |
|---|---|
| Standard UK certified translation | 2–3 working days |
| Same-day (order before midday) | Same working day |
| Embassy of Japan (Japanese licences) | ~4 working days |
| JAF translation in Japan | 1–2 working days |
How long does it take to get a JAF driver's license translation?
A JAF driver's license translation typically takes 1–2 working days from submission at a JAF office in Japan. The translation is valid for 7 days from the date it is issued when used to obtain a Japanese licence. Drivers must carry the original licence, passport and JAF translation together at all times.
Can I get a same-day driving licence translation?
Yes — a same-day certified driving licence translation is available for orders placed before midday. A 30–50% surcharge applies to the standard rate. Postal or digital delivery follows on the same working day from our central London office.
How can I get an official translation of my driving licence?
To get an official translation of your driving licence:
- Send a colour scan of the front and back to a UK-registered translation agency.
- Receive a fixed quote by return email.
- Approve the order and pay online.
- Receive the certified translation by digital PDF within 2–3 working days.
- Receive the hard copy by tracked post, ready for the DVLA.
You can order online, by email, or by post to our London office at Suite 544, Unit B, 63-66 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8LE, or call +44 20 4569 1419 Monday to Saturday, 9:00–18:00.
What documents are required for a driving licence translation?
Three files are required to translate a driving licence:
Passport or ID is not required at ordering stage. Where a specific authority has additional specific requirements (for example a witnessed signature), we confirm that on the quote.
Can I order a driving licence translation by postal service?
Yes — postal ordering is available for drivers who prefer not to email a scan. The certified translation is returned by tracked post to any UK address. Digital PDF delivery is included alongside the postal hard copy at no extra cost.
Is my driving licence data kept confidential?
Yes — every driving licence translation is handled under a signed confidentiality agreement. Files are stored on UK-based encrypted servers under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Translator and reviewer are bound by CIOL and ITI professional-body confidentiality rules.
Where can I get my driving licence translated for use in the UK?
You can get your driving licence translated for UK use by a London-based certified translation agency whose translators are registered with CIOL, ITI or ATC. Our London office operates to an ISO 17100 workflow, which means every translation passes through a two-stage process: a qualified translator produces the initial version and a second linguist performs a full quality-control review before delivery. The completed document includes a signed certificate of accuracy — provided at no extra cost — and carries the translator's name, signature and contact details, meeting the exact format the DVLA requires for a D1 licence-exchange application. We cover 150+ language pairs, so whether your licence was issued in Europe, Asia, the Americas or Africa, we can certify it. Standard turnaround is 2–3 working days, with urgent same-day and weekend options available. Contact us at +44 20 4569 1419, Suite 544, Unit B, 63-66 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8LE.
Are embassy translations of a driving licence accepted by the DVLA?
Embassy translations are accepted by the DVLA for certain licence pairs — for example, some embassies issue certified translations specifically for their nationals applying to exchange licences in the UK. However, embassy services are not available for every country, and waiting times can be significantly longer than using a registered translator. A CIOL- or ITI-registered translator is authorised to certify any language pair and is typically the faster, more cost-effective route. Our translators hold exactly those credentials, and every translation we issue is formatted to the DVLA's hard-copy submission standard: front and back of the licence are translated in full, and the certification statement is attached as a single, submission-ready document. Where no embassy service exists for your country of issue, a CIOL/ITI certification is the recognised standard route accepted by the DVLA, UK insurers and UK courts alike.
Translation vs IDP vs foreign licence exchange — which do I need?
Three products cover foreign-licence driving:
- Certified translation — reproduces your existing licence in English.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — a multi-language companion issued by your home country under the 1949 or 1968 Conventions.
- Full licence exchange — replaces your foreign licence with a UK one via the DVLA.
| Driver status | Destination | Product needed |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay visitor to UK | UK (up to 12 months) | Foreign licence only; translation helps insurers |
| New UK resident | UK (over 12 months) | Certified translation + DVLA D1 exchange |
| UK driver renting abroad | France (short-stay) | Certified translation |
| UK driver renting abroad | Japan | JAF translation or IDP (1949) |
| UK driver moving abroad | Singapore | Authorised translation + LTA conversion |
| Non-EU driver in Germany | Germany | Translation + ADAC-style classification |
When is a translation enough and when do I need an IDP?
A certified translation is enough when the destination recognises translated foreign licences — for example France for short-stay tourists. An IDP is required when the destination mandates the 1949 or 1968 Convention format, regardless of translation quality. An IDP is a companion document, not a substitute for a DVLA-ready certified translation at licence exchange.
When do I need to exchange my foreign licence for a UK one?
You need to exchange your foreign licence with the DVLA within 12 months of becoming a UK resident, where your issuing country holds an exchange agreement with the UK. The DVLA requires a certified translation of the original licence submitted in hard copy alongside the D1 application form.
How do country-specific rules affect translating your driving licence?
Country-specific rules mean requirements vary by destination:
| Country | Rule |
|---|---|
| Japan | JAF translation, 1–2 days, valid 7 days once printed. |
| Germany | Translation plus ADAC-style classification for non-EU licences; some pairs (e.g. Bosnia and Herzegovina) accepted with translation only. |
| Singapore | Scanned and printed original + authorised English translation for LTA conversion. |
| France | Foreign licence plus official English or French translation for short-stay hire. |
How does a JAF translation of driver's licenses issued abroad work?
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) issues the official Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license, typically within 1–2 working days of submission. Drivers must carry the original licence, passport and JAF translation together. JAF provides certified translations of foreign licenses issued in over 40 countries, including UK licences.
Do I need translation or classification to translate driving licences for Germany?
Non-EU drivers in Germany need a certified translation of their foreign driving licence, often combined with a classification that maps the foreign categories to German ones. Some licences (for example Bosnia and Herzegovina) are accepted with a translation only. Others require a full conversion via the local Führerscheinstelle.
What is needed to convert a foreign licence in Singapore?
Singapore licence conversion requires:
- A scanned and printed copy of the original driver's licence.
- A printed copy of an authorised English translation.
- The completed application form for a Qualified Driving Licence, submitted to the Singapore Traffic Police.
Can tourists rent a car in France with a translated driving licence?
Yes — foreign tourists on a short-stay visa can hire a car in France on a valid foreign driving licence accompanied by an official English or French translation. The licence must be current, and the driver must meet the rental company's age and experience rules.
Are there new driving licence rules for 2026?
New UK driving-licence rules under discussion for 2026 centre on medical fitness declarations and age-related retesting — neither of which alters the DVLA's requirement for a certified English translation when exchanging a foreign licence. The core exchange obligation remains: anyone who becomes a UK resident and holds a licence from a country with a DVLA exchange agreement must complete the exchange within 12 months of taking up residency. Missing that window means the foreign licence can no longer be swapped directly, and the driver may need to sit a UK theory and practical test instead.
The certified translation requirement is tied to the exchange application itself, not to any single regulatory reform. A compliant translation must cover both the front and back of the licence, include a certification statement, and carry the translator's name, signature and contact details — all of which our ISO 17100 process produces as standard. Prices for a standard single-page licence start from £25 per document, with a 30–50% surcharge applying to same-day or weekend urgent delivery. We quote the current DVLA-accepted format at the date of your order and update our process whenever official guidance changes, so you can be confident the document you receive will be accepted.
The FAQs below cover the questions we receive most often about certified driving licence translation — self-translation, layout, EU licences, expiry, ID-card conversions and re-certification.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a certified translation cost in the UK?
Certified translation in the UK typically costs £0.10–£0.20 per word, depending on the language pair and subject matter. Short personal documents such as driving licences, birth certificates, and passports are usually quoted as a fixed price per document, starting from £25. Every certified translation includes a signed certificate of accuracy at no extra cost. If you need same-day or weekend delivery, a 30–50% surcharge applies. For an exact quote, contact us at +44 20 4569 1419.
Who can certify translation in the UK?
In the UK, a certified translation must be produced by a professional translator or translation agency that attaches a signed statement — a certificate of accuracy — confirming the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. There is no single statutory licensing body, but authorities such as the Home Office, HM Passport Office, courts, and universities expect translations to follow a recognised professional standard. We work to an ISO 17100 process, with subject-qualified translators and a second-linguist review on every job.
Can I certify my own translation?
No — you cannot certify your own translation for official UK purposes. Home Office guidance, courts, and most institutions require the translator to be independent of the applicant, so a self-certified translation is routinely rejected. A professional translation agency provides a signed certificate of accuracy on headed paper, confirming the translator's qualifications and independence. Submitting a self-certified document can delay visa applications, legal proceedings, or licence conversions significantly.
Can anyone do a certified translation?
Not quite — while there is no single statutory licence required in the UK, a certified translation must be produced by a suitably qualified and independent professional who can sign a certificate of accuracy. Authorities such as the Home Office and HM Passport Office expect translators to be competent in the subject area, and many institutions specifically require ISO 17100-compliant workflows. Our translations are produced by subject-qualified translators, checked by a second linguist, and include a signed certificate of accuracy at no extra cost.
How can I translate my ID card into English?
To translate your ID card into English for official UK purposes, you need a certified translation from a professional agency. The process is straightforward: send us a clear scan or photo of both sides of your ID card, and we will provide a certified English translation with a signed certificate of accuracy included at no extra cost. Standard turnaround is 2–3 working days, with same-day or weekend delivery available at a 30–50% surcharge. Personal identity documents start from £25.
How long does it take to get a driving licence translation?
Our standard turnaround for a driving licence translation is 2–3 working days from receipt of your document. If you need it sooner, same-day and weekend delivery options are available at a 30–50% surcharge. We cover 150+ languages and every translation is checked by a second linguist before delivery, so you can submit it with confidence to the DVLA, an employer, or any other authority.
Which country licenses only need a translation (not full conversion) for Germany?
Several countries have bilateral agreements with Germany allowing drivers to exchange their licence with only a translation and a straightforward administrative swap, rather than sitting a new test — EU/EEA licences and licences from countries such as Switzerland, Japan, and South Korea typically fall into this simpler category. The exact requirements depend on your issuing country and licence type, and rules do change, so always verify with the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) or your local Straßenverkehrsamt before applying. We provide certified driving licence translations into German for 150+ language pairs.
Need a certified translation today?
Send us your document and we will confirm the price and delivery date. No obligation.
Mon–Sat, 9:00 – 18:00 · Suite 544, Unit B, 63-66 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8LE