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DMV Translation Requirements, State by State
What 15 state DMVs ask for when a foreign driver's license, birth certificate, marriage certificate or other document is not in English: whether a certified translation is accepted, who may make it, and what the state does with a foreign license. Every rule is taken from the state's own website, linked, and dated.
15 states
Foreign licenses, identity and name-change documents.
Sources linked
Each rule links to the state's own page, checked in October 2026.
$24.95/page
Certified translation with a signed certificate, usually within 24 hours.
State by state
Every DMV below accepts a translation eVerbary can provide: directly, from a translator individually certified by ATA on request, or through the credential evaluation agency it requires, which in turn accepts professional translations.
Checked in October 2026; rules change, and each page links to the DMV's own source.
Northeast (3)
| State DMV | Translation | Who may translate | Foreign license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts RMV | Certified, on the certifier's letterhead | Language service provider, notary, consulate, ATA, others | Seven countries convert; others take tests |
| New Jersey MVC | Certified, for any non-English document | Any competent adult with signed certification | Visitors: one year with IDP |
| New York DMV | Certified English translation (form ID-44) | Not restricted; road test: government-certified only | Visitors may drive; residents test and surrender |
South (6)
| State DMV | Translation | Who may translate | Foreign license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware DMV | Required, with the original | A professional translator | Tests, except Germany, Taiwan, France |
| DC DMV | Required, dated after the license | Embassy or translation company (stamp/affidavit) | Knowledge test; road test waived |
| Kentucky Driver Licensing (KYTC) | Notarized translated statement | Not specified; notarized | Taiwan, South Korea: vision test only |
| Louisiana OMV | Required for a foreign license not in English | Not restricted; Taiwan: TECO or acceptable translator | Reciprocity with 5 countries; others test |
| Tennessee Driver Services | English translation of the passport | Any translator; sworn form SF-1162 | New residents take all tests |
| Virginia DMV | Certified English translation | A professional translator | Six reciprocal countries; others take tests |
Midwest (4)
| State DMV | Translation | Who may translate | Foreign license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana BMV | Required; typed on letterhead, signed statement | Translation agency, school or government entity | Accepted with translation or IDP; three tests |
| Michigan SOS | Required, on letterhead; no notary | Translation business, attorney, college or agency | Visitors drive with English translation |
| Minnesota DVS | Required, sworn, with form PS33210 | Approved translator or competent non-relative | Written and road test; translation if needed |
| Wisconsin DMV | Visitors: IDP or English translation | Not specified; exchanges: Korean, Taiwanese offices | France, Germany, Korea, Taiwan: tests waived |
West (2)
| State DMV | Translation | Who may translate | Foreign license |
|---|---|---|---|
| California DMV | Certified, or affidavit of translation | Not restricted | Driving test required; no exchange |
| New Mexico MVD | Notarized English translation (birth certificate) | Not specified in the rule | Not covered in 18.19.5 NMAC |
Need a certified translation for the DMV?
$24.95 per page of up to 250 words, certification included, usually within 24 hours for one to three pages. See the price before you pay.
What an eVerbary translation includes
- A complete English translation of every page, stamps, seals and handwritten notes included, laid out like the original so each line can be matched.
- A signed certificate of translation accuracy on letterhead, with our contact details, delivered as a PDF you can upload or print.
- $24.95 per page of up to 250 words, certification included; 24 hours for one to three pages as standard. Regular clients who need it can get delivery in as little as 30 minutes, on request.
- Notarization added at checkout ($34.90 per order) when the office asks for a notarized translation.
What we do not do
eVerbary translates documents; it is not the DMV and does not issue licenses, International Driving Permits or REAL ID decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Does the DMV accept certified translations from a translation company?
Every state on this page does: its published rule accepts a translation by a professional or certified translator, or asks for a certified translation without restricting who makes it. Each page links the rule and gives the date we read it.
Do I need a translation of my foreign driver's license?
It depends on the state and on what you are doing: driving as a visitor, exchanging the license, or proving identity. Each state page says what that DMV asks for.
Is a translation the same as an International Driving Permit?
No. An International Driving Permit is issued in the country that issued your license; a certified translation is an English translation of the license or document with a signed certificate of accuracy.
How much does it cost?
$24.95 per page of up to 250 words at eVerbary, certification included, usually delivered within 24 hours for one to three pages.
Translate your license or certificate
Upload a scan of your license or certificate and see the price and delivery time before you pay.