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Driving abroad: procedures and steps for translating a driving licence

2735 Views 1 Liked Posted on: 20 December 2024

Driving licences are essential for travelling freely in many countries. However, when you move or travel to a foreign country, it may be necessary to have your driving licence translated for recognition by local authorities, whether it is for presenting it at roadside checks or for renting a vehicle from a rental agency. In some cases, a sworn translation of the licence is required in order for it to be considered legally valid. This article explains in detail when a sworn translation is required, how to obtain it and what steps to follow to drive abroad legally. Note that in France a sworn translation is also called a certified translation.




International recognition of driving licences

There are several situations where recognition of a foreign driver's licence is necessary:

    • Driving temporarily abroad with a French driving licence: In many countries, you can use your French driving licence for a short period, usually a few months. This applies to countries within the European Economic Area, and to the United Kingdom and Switzerland. However, some countries outside of Europe require a translation of this document, especially if the licence is not written in the official language of the country where you wish to drive.

    • Obtaining an international driving licence: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an English-language document containing your personal information and the categories of vehicle you are authorised to drive. It can be used in addition to the French licence to facilitate driving in foreign countries. However, the IDP does not replace the French licence, and it may also require sworn translation. You will find a summary list of the procedures by country outside Europe on the sécurité routière (road safety) website. In addition, the time to obtain an international driving licence is usually 6 to 8 months. It is therefore essential to get started early.

    • Exchanging foreign driving licence: If the deadline for obtaining your IDP before your trip has passed, it is possible to have your driver’s licence translated. Translation must be done by an accredited translator. In France, these are translators sworn before the Court of Appeal. If you move to another country permanently, it is often necessary to convert or exchange your foreign driver’s licence for a local one. In this case, some jurisdictions may request a sworn translation of your licence.




When is a sworn translation required?

A sworn translation is an official translation by a translator sworn before a court of appeal. It is often requested when a driving licence has to be submitted to administrative authorities, including for the exchange of driving licences.

Proceedings to obtain a sworn translation

If a sworn translation of your driver's licence is required, follow these steps:

    1. Contact a sworn translator: A sworn translator is approved by a French court of appeal and is authorised to carry out translations with legal and official value. You can find a list of sworn translators on the Courts of Appeal website. Our agency collaborates with around twenty sworn translators and we will be able to assist you in this process in most cases.

    2. Provide a copy of the driver's licence: It is necessary to submit a legible copy of your original driver’s licence to the translator. Please note that an incomplete licence cannot be translated; it is necessary to provide a copy of the front and back of your licence.

    3. Obtaining a sworn translation: Once the translation is completed, it will feature the signature and official seal of the sworn translator, attesting to the accuracy and validity of the translated document. This translation is then valid for all administrative procedures in France.




Conclusion

Obtaining a sworn translation of your driver’s licence may be a necessary step to facilitate the recognition of your licence abroad. This process ensures that your document is legally valid in a country where the official language is different from your original licence. Whether it’s exchanging your French licence for a foreign one, temporarily moving abroad, or renting a car from a rental agency, sworn translation is often the key to complying with local regulations and avoiding administrative complications.

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