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Driver’s License Translation for California DMV

If you need to submit non-English documents to the California DMV (including foreign driver’s licenses, passports, marriage certificates, or other identity documents), you may need a certified English translation. Here’s what California DMV guidance says and how Certling can help.

Good news:

Certling can provide certified translations for documents submitted to the California DMV. California DMV guidance for the Driver’s License Secondary Review Referral Process indicates that documents in a language other than English must include a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English.

If you are preparing for a DMV appointment (including secondary review), we can translate and certify your supporting documents in clear American English. Final acceptance is always at the discretion of the DMV.

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Upload your document for a fast quote and certified translation in American English.

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For California DMV submissions and other official uses.

See the California DMV guidance

Review California DMV’s Secondary Review Referral Process and the translation language they reference.

View DMV page (FFDL 3)

External link to California DMV.

Driving in California With a Foreign Driver’s License

If you are a visitor in California and you are over 18 with a valid driver’s license from your home state or country, California DMV guidance indicates you may drive in California without getting a California driver’s license as long as your home license remains valid.

Key points for visitors

Keep your license valid: Your foreign license should be current and not expired.
If your license is not in English: Carrying an English translation (or an International Driving Permit as a translation) can help avoid misunderstandings. An IDP is a translation and is not a license on its own.
Minors (16–17): California DMV notes that if you are 16 or 17 with a valid driver’s license from another country, you may drive in California for a maximum of 10 days, unless you meet the exceptions listed by DMV.

Moving to California: When You Need a California Driver’s License

If you become a California resident, California DMV guidance states you must get a California driver’s license within 10 days.

Tip: If you are unsure whether DMV considers you a resident yet, review the DMV guidance and speak to the DMV before driving long-term. Residency can be established in several ways (for example, by certain benefits or privileges not ordinarily extended to nonresidents).

Swapping Your Foreign Driver’s License in California

In general, California does not “exchange” foreign driver’s licenses through reciprocity the way some places do. If you become a resident and need a California license, you should expect to apply and complete DMV requirements (such as knowledge and/or driving tests), depending on your situation and the license class you need.

Secondary Review and Translations (FFDL 3)

If the DMV needs additional review of your identity or residency documents during a driver’s license application, you may be referred to the Driver’s License Secondary Review Referral Process. California DMV’s fast facts page lists many document types that may be reviewed, and it specifies that documents in a language other than English must include a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English.

Examples of documents that may require translation

California DMV’s FFDL 3 guidance includes foreign documents such as a foreign passport, foreign national ID card, consular ID card, and foreign driver’s license.

If any of these are not in English, a certified translation (or affidavit of translation) may be required as part of the review process.

How Certling Helps With California DMV Translations

Certified translation

We translate your document into American English and include a certification statement suitable for official use. This aligns with DMV guidance referencing “certified translation” for non-English documents.

Fast and clear

We focus on clarity and consistency so DMV staff can quickly verify names, dates, license numbers, and key fields. (Final acceptance always depends on the DMV and your application context.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Certling can provide certified translations for documents submitted to the California DMV. California DMV’s FFDL 3 guidance indicates that non-English documents must include a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English.

California DMV’s FFDL 3 page lists several foreign documents, including foreign passports, foreign national ID cards, consular ID cards, and foreign driver’s licenses. If they are not in English, DMV guidance indicates they should include a certified translation or affidavit of translation into English.

California DMV guidance states that if you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver’s license from your home state or country, you may drive in California without getting a California driver’s license as long as your home license remains valid.

California DMV guidance states that if you become a California resident, you must get a California driver’s license within 10 days.

An IDP is generally a translation of your driver’s license and you must carry your valid license with it; the U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. If you plan to rely on an IDP, obtain it before you travel and confirm requirements with the state DMV and your rental car company.

Official California DMV Links