Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles: Translation Requirements for Documents in Another Language

Worth knowing about Colorado DMV

Colorado DMV requirements in detail

What the Colorado affirmation needs

Colorado is precise about the form. Its document page says a translation is accepted only with the DMV's affirmation typed or electronically printed on the same page as the translation, not on separate pieces of paper.

In it, the translator gives their full name, affirms that the translation from the named language into English is complete and accurate to the best of their ability, and affirms being fully competent and proficient in both languages.

The translator's unexpired driver's license, instruction permit or ID card number, with the issuing state, goes with it.

The same wording has been in the DMV's Process for Translation sheet since 2014. A standard certificate of accuracy on a separate page, without the translator's ID number, does not meet it.

When you order for the Colorado DMV, say so in the order notes, so the affirmation and the translator's ID details are placed on the translation page.

Licenses from other countries

Colorado has agreements with Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan: a US citizen or permanent resident with a valid license from one of them needs no permit and no written or driving test, only an appointment (New to Colorado from another country).

Two of them add a document of their own.

Taiwanese license holders bring a statement from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver confirming the license is valid and including a translation; Japanese nationals bring a Verification Certificate of Driver License from the Consul General of Japan in Denver, issued within three months.

Those statements come from the consular offices, not from a translation service.

Motorcycle and commercial endorsements from other countries do not transfer and are tested separately, and the agreements do not cover someone who holds only an out-of-country permit (New to Colorado from another country).

Where the DMV's pages differ

The standard license page calls it a "complete, certified translation with a specific affirmation"; the document page says the translator must read and write both languages well and gives the affirmation. Both require the same statement on the translation page and the translator's ID number.

Documents people usually translate

• Foreign birth certificates, as identity documents
• Foreign marriage certificates and divorce decrees, for a name change
• Foreign court orders changing a name
• A foreign driver's license from a non-agreement country, as supporting identity

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.

Submitting the translation to Colorado DMV

• Bring the original document and its translation together to your driver license appointment; the DMV keeps the translation in your permanent motor vehicle record (Documents, Standard licenses and IDs).

How to order

1. Scan or photograph every page of the document, front and back, including any stamps on the reverse.
2. Upload it, choose the language and "certified", and see the price before paying.
3. Receive the PDF, usually within 24 hours for one to three pages, and submit it with the copy of the original wherever the office asks for it.

Frequently asked questions