Specific Solutions
Driver's License Translation Service Introduction
Driver's license translation refers to the service of translating a foreign driver's license into the required language for use in China or another country. When a foreigner arrives in China, their foreign driver's license cannot be directly used. It must be authenticated by the local vehicle management office and exchanged for a Chinese driver's license. Similarly, as a Chinese citizen, if you plan to travel abroad and drive, you need to translate your domestic driver's license and submit it for authentication by the local authorities to obtain a temporary international driving permit. In both cases, a professional translation service is required to translate the original driver's license into the target language.
A driver's license, formally known as a motor vehicle driver's license, is a legal document that drivers are required to obtain according to the law. The Ministry of Public Security of China has released the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Business Work Standards," which classifies driver's licenses into 15 categories: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, P.
Which countries accept translated Chinese driver's licenses?
Many countries accept Chinese driver's license translations, including: Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Barbados, Panama, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Tahiti, Guam, Egypt, Benin, Gambia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Réunion (French), Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Ireland, Estonia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Iceland, Poland, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Czech Republic, Croatia, Latvia, Romania, Norway, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Philippines, Malaysia, Turkey, Singapore, Albania, Saipan, etc.
What is the difference between a Chinese driver's license translation, a notarized translation, and an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- Chinese Driver's License + Translation: Chinese passport holders can use the combination of "Chinese driver's license + Chinese driver's license translation" to rent a car abroad.
- Chinese Driver's License + Notarized Translation: Some countries require the submission of a notarized translation of the Chinese driver's license to ensure translation accuracy.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP is not a formal driver's license, but a translated version issued by authorized organizations of countries that are signatories to the UN Road Traffic Convention. Since China is not a member of the UN Road Traffic Convention, Chinese citizens cannot obtain an IDP. Even if obtained through other channels, the combination of "Chinese passport + IDP" is generally not recognized by car rental companies, and in the event of an accident, insurance coverage will not be provided.
Does the new version of the Chinese driver's license need to be used with a translation?
The new version of the Chinese driver's license only includes an English translation of the title, while key information such as the driver's name and address is not translated into English. Therefore, the new version of the driver's license cannot be used as an effective English document and must be accompanied by a translation.
What should be noted when using a Chinese driver's license translation?
- The translation must be presented alongside the valid original Chinese driver's license.
- The translated document should include copies of the front and back of the original Chinese driver's license.
- A Chinese driver's license translation cannot replace a notarized translation of the driver's license.
How do rental companies in different countries recognize Chinese driver's licenses?
- United States: Most rental companies in the U.S. recognize Chinese driver's licenses.
- Europe and other regions: In Europe and other regions, Chinese driver's licenses are less widely accepted.
- International large car rental companies: International companies such as Hertz and Avis generally have a high recognition rate for Chinese driver's licenses.
Translation Pricing
Aire Translation adheres to industry standards and strives to provide high-quality and fast translation services, resisting low-price, poor-quality competition. We are committed to offering premium driver's license translation services.
The pricing for driver’s license translation is determined by the following factors:
- Translation language
- Translation time
- Number of words
- Intended purpose of translation
For detailed pricing, please consult our customer service.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is personal translation valid? Whether translating a domestic driver's license into a foreign language or a foreign driver's license into Chinese, personal translations are not accepted. The translation must be done by a professional translation institution and comply with the vehicle management office or the requirements of the destination country.
Do translations need to be notarized? If the translation is provided by an authoritative translation agency, notarization is generally not required, except in special cases.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, feel free to consult with our customer service. Our professional translation team will provide high-quality driver's license translation services to ensure that your driving needs are met both domestically and internationally.