Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau: Translation Requirements for Documents in Another Language

Worth knowing about Missouri DOR

Missouri DOR requirements in detail

What "in English" covers

Section (1) of 12 CSR 10-24.448 applies to every applicant for a driver license, nondriver license or instruction permit and asks for one or more documents, in English, for lawful status, identity, Social Security number and Missouri residency.

Most of the list is already in English: US birth records and passports, naturalization certificates and federal immigration forms. The foreign passport appears only with a US visa and I-94, or with an I-551 stamp.

The rule does not say whether a foreign document becomes acceptable with a translation, and it does not say it cannot. Where it matters most is the name change.

Identity documents must match your current name unless a marriage certificate, marriage license, amended birth certificate, divorce decree or other court order shows the change (12 CSR 10-24.448, documents required).

The document list calls for certified versions (REAL ID-compliant document list, revised August 2025), and for a first or middle name change the Driver Guide accepts only a certified court order (Missouri Driver Guide, revised August 2026). If yours was issued abroad, ask first.

Getting a Missouri license with a foreign license

Missouri's statute authorizes reciprocal agreements with foreign countries that would drop everything but the vision and sign tests (RSMo 302.172).

The Driver Guide and FAQ name no country and describe the transfer only for a license from another US state: surrender it and you waive the skills and written tests, and you still pass vision and road signs (Driver license FAQ, guide).

If you hold a license from abroad, ask the Bureau whether an agreement covers your country; otherwise plan on the four-part exam.

You take the tests at a Missouri State Highway Patrol examination station and then apply and pay at a license office (Driver license FAQ).

The Patrol gives the Class F written test in 20 languages (Missouri State Highway Patrol: modernized testing system).

A nonimmigrant foreign student not authorized to work, with an F or J classification, does not need a status letter from Social Security (Missouri Driver Guide, revised August 2026).

Documents people usually translate

• Marriage certificate or license from abroad for a name change (rule says "in English"; no translation rule)
• Foreign divorce decree or court order for a name change (rule says "in English"; no translation rule)
• Foreign passport, shown with a US visa and I-94 (rule says "in English"; no translation rule)
• Foreign driver's license (no published rule)

What to do in Missouri

• Call the Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407 or write to dlbmail@dor.mo.gov and ask whether a foreign document with a translation counts under the "in English" rule, and what kind of translation (Contact the Department of Revenue).

• Check your documents on the driver licensing checklist, then apply at a license office.

• For the written, vision, sign and driving tests, go to a Highway Patrol examination station first (Driver license FAQ).

Frequently asked questions