Driving licence translation is only required if an authority or a country explicitly asks for it. Within the EU and the EEA, states recognise each other’s driving licences, so a translation is usually not needed there. For licences from non-EU countries, or when you move to a country outside the EU, authorities often ask for a certified translation.
The competent body decides which form applies. This article shows in which situations you need a translation, what it must contain and how to avoid unnecessary costs.
Driving licence translation: the three situations
| Situation | Translation needed? |
| EU/EEA licence in Germany | Usually no |
| Licence from a non-EU country in Germany | Often yes, depending on country of origin and authority |
| German licence abroad | Depends on the country; within the EU mostly no |
The table is a guide, not binding advice. Ask the body that requests the document before you order.
Foreign driving licence in Berlin
Licence from the EU or EEA
Licences from EU and EEA states are valid in Germany. You usually do not need a translation, because the documents follow a uniform format. If you move to Berlin, the licence normally stays valid.
Licence from a non-EU country
For licences from non-EU countries, a limited period usually applies after you register your residence in Germany, typically six months. After that, you must have the licence converted or obtain a German licence. Whether additional tests are needed depends on the country that issued your licence.
For the conversion, the driving licence office often requires a translation, especially for documents in another script. The rules differ by country of origin and can change.
Who may translate the licence?
Some authorities accept only translations by recognised bodies or by sworn or authorised translators. A simple translation from an online tool is then not enough. Check in advance which form the Berlin driving licence office requires.
German driving licence abroad
With a German photocard licence you can drive in most EU states without translating it. Outside the EU, the rules vary widely. Some countries allow short stays with the German licence, others additionally require an international driving permit or a certified translation.
The international driving permit supplements the national licence but does not replace it. For a permanent stay, authorities abroad often want the licence converted, and for that frequently a certified translation. Ask the embassy or the traffic authority of the destination country.
What a certified driving licence translation contains
A complete translation includes:
- all details from the front and the back
- licence categories, codes and restrictions
- stamps, seals and signatures as marked elements
- names and dates exactly as spelled in the original
- the translator’s confirmation that the translation is complete and accurate
A legible scan or photo of both sides is usually enough for the translation.
Cost and turnaround
A driving licence is a short document. At parafrays translations, we charge by the page only, from €50 for a fully written page. You can read what affects the price in Certified translation cost: what you pay and why. For the timeframe, see process and duration of a certified translation.
In practice: mistakes that cost time
- Missing the deadline: If you exceed the period for non-EU licences, the conversion can become difficult. Plan the translation early.
- Submitting only one side: The back lists categories and codes. Submit both sides.
- Uncertified translation: Many bodies reject a translation from an online tool.
- Wrong spelling: The name must match your passport and your application.
- Not asking first: Check whether the authority requires a translation at all.
Read more about typical pitfalls in Official document translation in Berlin: avoid these 5 mistakes.
Conclusion
You only need a driving licence translation if the authority asks for it. For EU licences in Germany this is usually not the case, for licences from non-EU countries it often is. Ask in advance which form is required, allow enough time and send legible scans of both sides.
FAQ
- Do I need a translation for an EU licence in Germany? Usually not, because states recognise each other’s licences.
- How long can I drive in Germany with a non-EU licence? Usually six months after registering your residence. Ask the driving licence office about the rules for your country.
- Is the international driving permit a translation? No. It supplements the national licence but does not replace it.
- Who may translate a driving licence? The authority decides. Often sworn or authorised translators or recognised bodies are asked for.
- What does the translation cost? At parafrays translations from €50 per fully written page. The price depends on scope and effort.
- Do I need to send the original? A legible scan of both sides is usually enough for the translation. The authority decides what else it requires.
Call to action
Need a certified translation of your driving licence? Send parafrays translations a scan of both sides. You will receive a quote for your certified translation in Berlin that fits your language pair and your deadline.
