- The DMV states that a foreign driver's license in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English.
- The same rule is stated for marriage licenses and divorce decrees that are not in English.
- The REAL ID identity list for non-citizens names documents such as an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94, a Permanent Resident Card and an Employment Authorization Document.
- A person with a license from another country must also pass a driving test to obtain an original California license.
- A complete translation covers both sides of the card, every field, stamp and hologram, with names spelled as in the passport.
The California DMV states that a foreign driver's license in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English. This appears in the DMV's AB 60 document guide and in its secondary review document list.
What does the California DMV say about a foreign driver's license?
The DMV lists a foreign driver's license among the foreign documents it reviews, together with a foreign passport, a foreign national ID card and a consular ID card. Language on a foreign driver's license other than English needs to include a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English.
The DMV states the same requirement for two other documents. A marriage license and a divorce decree that are not in English must also include a certified translation or an affidavit of translation.
Which identity documents does the DMV list for a REAL ID?
Any Californian who can prove current legal presence in the United States with one of the accepted identity documents, as an original or certified copy, is eligible for a REAL ID. For lawfully present non-citizens, the DMV lists acceptable documents that include an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form, a valid and unexpired Permanent Resident Card, a valid Employment Authorization Document (I-766), and an unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551".
The DMV also states that people applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver's license are not eligible to receive a REAL ID.
A REAL ID application also requires two proofs of California residency. Both documents must show the applicant's first and last name and the same address that is on the application.
If a residency document shows a name that differs from the identity document because of a name change, for example marriage, divorce or a court order, the DMV states that additional name change documentation is required.
What happens when your license was issued in another country?
The DMV states that a person with a license issued by another country follows the application process for a license issued by another state. The person must also pass a driving test to obtain an original California license. The DMV page lists these steps:
- Complete a driver's license or ID card application.
- Prove identity with an acceptable identity document, original or certified copy.
- Present acceptable residency documents if you have never had a California driver's license or ID card.
- Pay the application fee, have a thumbprint scanned, pass a vision exam, have a photo taken and pass the knowledge test.
- For the driving test: schedule a driving test appointment and provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance). If you have a valid license from another country, an accompanying driver is required to and from the test.
What is on a Russian or Ukrainian driver's license?
A driver's license from Russia or Ukraine is typically a card with two sides. The front usually shows the photo, full name, date of birth, issue and expiry dates, the issuing authority and the license number. The back usually lists vehicle categories and any restrictions or special marks.
Many cards also carry a signature, a hologram or a seal. The layout depends on the country and the year of issue. Each card is translated from what is actually printed on it.
How should the certified translation look?
The DMV names a certified translation or an affidavit of translation. A complete translation of a license normally has these parts:
- 1Both sides of the card, translated in the order and layout of the original.
- 2Every printed field, including category codes, restrictions and special marks.
- 3Stamps, seals, holograms and signatures described in square brackets, for example [round seal] or [signature].
- 4Names spelled as in the international passport. Dates written so the day, month and year cannot be confused.
- 5A signed certification from the translator: a statement that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent in both languages, with name, signature, date and address.
- 6One PDF containing the translation and the certification, ready to print or upload.
In the DMV's wording, the foreign license is accompanied by the translation. The translation goes with the original card. Our article on passport spelling explains how names are transliterated.
How POVO translates a foreign driver's license
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FAQ
Does the DMV accept an affidavit of translation instead of a certified translation?
The DMV names both options for a foreign driver's license, a marriage license and a divorce decree that are not in English: a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English.
Which identity documents does the DMV list for a REAL ID for non-citizens?
The DMV lists documents that include an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form, a valid and unexpired Permanent Resident Card, a valid Employment Authorization Document (I-766) and an unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551".
Does a license from another country require a driving test in California?
Yes. The DMV states that a person with a license issued by another country follows the process for a license issued by another state and must also pass a driving test to obtain an original California license.
Which other documents need a translation at the DMV?
The DMV states the same translation rule for a marriage license and a divorce decree that are not in English.
What form must the identity document take for a REAL ID?
The DMV lists the identity document for a REAL ID as an original or a certified copy only.
Official sources
Links open the original publications this article restates.
If you need your documents translated, always work with a certified translator.
POVO translates Russian and Ukrainian documents into English, with a signed certificate of accuracy. Upload the document, see the price and the date, pay when you are ready.
