Washington DC DMV: Certified Translation Requirements for Foreign Driver's Licenses

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If you're planning to drive in Washington D.C. 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.

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Driving in Washington DC with a Foreign Driver's License
Swapping Your Foreign Driver's License in Washington DC
Translation Requirements

Driving in Washington DC with a Foreign Driver's License

If you are not a U.S. citizen and plan to stay in the District of Columbia for more than 30 days (and you are not on a visitor visa), you must obtain a DC DMV driver license. However, you may drive with a valid foreign driver's license for up to 30 days.

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

Validity of License: The foreign driver's license must be valid and current. You must carry your license at all times while driving.
Translation Requirement: If your foreign driver's license is not in English, you must provide an English translation. The translation must come from your embassy or a certified translation company. Embassy translations must be on official letterhead and dated. Company translations must be certified or notarized.

Important Note

International Driver Licenses: Washington DC does not accept International Driver Licenses (IDLs). You must present your valid foreign driver's license.
Visitor Visas: Non-U.S. citizens on visitor visas are not eligible to obtain a DC DMV driver license.

Swapping Your Foreign Driver's License in Washington DC

If you plan to stay in Washington DC for more than 30 days and you are not on a visitor visa, you are required to obtain a DC DMV driver license. Even if you have a valid foreign driver's license, you will still need to pass the DC DMV knowledge test before receiving a DC DMV REAL ID driver license.

Requirements for Obtaining a DC DMV Driver License

To apply for a DC DMV driver license, non-U.S. citizens must provide:

Proof of identity that meets REAL ID standards.
Proof of Social Security number (if applicable).
Proof of current DC residency.
Proof of legal presence in the U.S.

Your DC DMV license will expire at the end of your approved duration of stay. If you have a USCIS Notice of Action, Form I-797, you may be issued a temporary driver license for the duration of processing, up to a maximum of 18 months.

Translation Requirements

If your foreign license is not in English, you must attach an English translation that is:

Provided by your embassy on official letterhead, or
From a certified translation company with a translation stamp or notarized affidavit.

You are allowed to keep your foreign license along with your DC DMV REAL ID license.

Certling’s certified translations meet the guidelines set by the DC DMV for official translations, ensuring your documents are accurately translated and accepted.

For more information, visit the DC DMV website.

Source: DC DMV - Driver License for Non-US Citizens

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Driving in Washington DC with a Foreign Driver's License¶

Important Note

Swapping Your Foreign Driver's License in Washington DC¶

Requirements for Obtaining a DC DMV Driver License

Translation Requirements¶

Driving in Washington DC with a Foreign Driver's License

Swapping Your Foreign Driver's License in Washington DC

Translation Requirements