Texas DMV: Certified Translation Requirements for Foreign Driver's Licenses

Certified Translation Price Calculator

Select source language:

Est. word count:

Page count:

Currency:

Order your certified translation

If you're planning to drive in Texas with a foreign driver's license, it's important to understand the state's specific requirements. Whether you're visiting or moving as a resident, this short guide provides the key information on using or swapping your foreign license, including when a certified translation may be necessary.

Get a certified translation

Driving in Texas with a Foreign Driver's License
Swapping Your Foreign Driver's License in Texas

Driving in Texas with a Foreign Driver's License

New Texas residents can legally drive with a valid, unexpired foreign driver's license for up to 90 days after moving to Texas. After this period, you will need to obtain a Texas driver's license if you plan to stay as a resident.

To drive in Texas with a foreign license, you must meet the following criteria:

Validity of License: The foreign driver's license must be valid and unexpired. You must carry your license at all times while driving.
Translation Requirements: If your foreign driver's license is not in English or Spanish, it must be translated by a certified translation service or your consulate before arriving in Texas.

Reciprocity Agreements

Texas has license reciprocity agreements with France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan. If you have a valid, unexpired driver's license from one of these countries, you are not required to take the knowledge or skills exams unless you choose to keep your out-of-country license.

Swapping Your Foreign Driver's License in Texas

If you plan to become a resident of Texas, you must obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days. The process for swapping your foreign driver's license depends on your country of origin:

Reciprocity Countries: If you hold a valid driver's license from France, Germany, South Korea, or Taiwan, you are exempt from taking the knowledge and skills exams.
Non-Reciprocity Countries: If your license is from a country other than the U.S., Canada, France, South Korea, Germany, or Taiwan, you must take and pass both the knowledge and skills exams to obtain a Texas driver's license.

Additional Requirements for Minors (Under 18)

Knowledge Exam: Applicants under 18 from a non-reciprocity country must take and pass the knowledge exam.
Skills Exam: All applicants under 18 must take the skills exam, regardless of their country of origin.
Learner License Holding Period: If you are issued a Texas learner license, you must hold it for at least six months or until you turn 18.

Learner Licenses

If you hold a valid, unexpired learner license from another country, Texas honors your license, but you must still:

Complete the Impact Texas Driver (ITD) course.
Pass the skills exam to advance to a provisional driver's license.

Special Exemptions

Military Personnel: U.S. military personnel on active duty or discharged within the last 90 days may be exempt from the knowledge and skills exams if they present a valid military ID and proof of the issuing state's military extension policy.
NATO Personnel: Members of NATO forces or civilian components who present validating orders are also exempt from the knowledge and skills exams.

For more details on driving in Texas or obtaining a Texas driver's license, visit the Texas DPS website.

Source: Texas DPS - Moving to Texas Guide

Get a certified translation

"This was one of the finest, if not the finest, customer service experiences I've ever encountered! I usually don't leave reviews, but this translation process was incredibly smooth from beginning to end. I almost opted for a service that was more than I needed, but within an hour, a representative reached out to me (I hadn't committed yet as I was still researching) to point this out and explain what I actually required, all with a very friendly and personal touch. I chose the basic service and received my translation within a few hours (I only had one page and a few words to translate, to be fair) instead of the 24 hours indicated when I signed up. I double-checked the translation and, despite a small oversight, they promptly provided an updated version and apologized for the inconvenience. I will definitely use their services again in the future and recommend them to my friends. Everything was extremely quick and left me feeling truly cared for. Well done, Certling, and thank you again for such a wonderful experience!"

Christian

November 19, 2024

"The quotation mechanism, which enables easy selection of pages or specific blocks of text for translation, is extremely user-friendly and allows for precise control over what needs to be translated, thereby avoiding unnecessary translation costs. Moreover, I must commend the company's integrity - the price they initially quoted me was significantly lower than it should have been. Despite this being to their disadvantage, they not only apologized for the mistake but also honored the quoted price without any request for adjustment. The translation was delivered promptly. Overall, a thoroughly deserved five-star rating without any reservations."

Carlos

November 2, 2024

Driving in Texas with a Foreign Driver's License¶