Certified Translation of a Driving Licence in France

A certified translation of your driving licence lets French organisations read a foreign licence. I translate licences into French for use in France. You may need one when you exchange your licence, open an insurance file, start a job or rent a vehicle.

Tradyx is run by Luciana La Marca, a sworn translator registered with the Court of Appeal of Caen. Because you deal with me directly, you have one contact from your first message to the delivery of your translation.

Clear scan accepted. · Quote usually within 24 hours · Available throughout France · Français · Italiano

What is a certified translation of a driving licence?

In France, a certified translation is called a traduction assermentée. A translator registered with a court of appeal makes it. The translation then carries the translator’s stamp and signature. Together, they certify that the translation is faithful to the document you presented.

However, the translation does not certify that your licence is authentic. It only certifies that the French text matches the original. The issuing authority, however, remains the only body that can confirm the licence itself.

A machine translation is not a certified translation. Tools such as DeepL can help you understand a document, but they cannot replace a sworn translator.

When is a French translation of a licence requested?

Several situations call for a French version of your licence. The organisation concerned decides what it needs, so the requirements can differ from one case to another.

• A licence exchange, when your licence is not written in French
• An insurance application, especially when you need to show your driving history
• A vehicle rental, especially for a long-term contract
• Employment as a driver, courier or transport professional, because your employer may ask for it
• Administrative or legal proceedings, when a French authority asks for it

If you are unsure, ask the organisation what it expects. You can also send me its request, and then I will tell you what I can provide.

Exchanging a foreign licence in France: what to know

Many clients order a translation because they want to exchange their licence. However, a translation alone does not make a licence exchangeable, since the exchange follows official rules. This section sums up the main points, but the official page remains the reference.

Who has to exchange a licence?

According to Service-Public, a licence issued outside Europe is generally valid in France for one year. The year starts when you establish your normal residence. After that, you need to exchange it. However, there are exceptions. For example, students with a student residence permit do not need to exchange. UK licences also follow special rules, explained below.

The deadline depends on your licence and your status. For this reason, it is best to check your own case on the official Service-Public page.

Is your licence eligible?

Not every foreign licence can be exchanged, because eligibility depends on the country of issue, the licence category and the conditions in which it was obtained. An official eligibility simulator gives you the answer for your licence, so use it before you start.

What does the exchange file say about translation?

You request the exchange online through the official ANTS procedure, and it lists every document you must upload. When it comes to translation, the rules are as follows:

• A licence that is not written in French must come with a translation.
• When the translation is made abroad, it must be legalised or apostilled.
• If it is made in France instead, it must come from a sworn translator or from the issuing country’s embassy in France.
• Likewise, a statement of driving rights that is not in French must also be translated by a sworn translator in France.

Please note that the exchange file and your quote do not need the same documents. For a quote, I only need a clear scan of your licence. If you have a statement of driving rights, please send it too, because I can quote both together.

Country by country

What the translation contains

The translation reproduces everything that appears on your licence. I render each item in clear French so that the recipient can read it without difficulty.

• The holder’s surname, first name, date and place of birth
• Dates of issue and expiry, as well as the issuing authority
• Vehicle categories and the date each one was obtained
• Restriction codes and any other official mentions
• Licence number and any other reference number

Some elements cannot be translated, such as signatures, stamps, logos and QR codes. In these cases, I describe them in square brackets, for example [signature], [cachet: …], [logo: …], so the recipient knows exactly what appears on the original.

If your licence has several pages or comes with a driving record, I translate everything in one file. You then receive one quote and one delivery date.

Other translation directions

My main service is the translation of licences into French for use in France, and I work from English and Italian. I can also help with another direction, for example, a French licence translated into English or Italian for use abroad. In that case, please check with the foreign authority which kind of translation it accepts.

How to prepare your scan

A good scan makes the translation faster and more accurate. Before you send your file, please check the following points.

• First, scan or photograph both sides of the licence.
• Use colour, because some details are only visible in colour.
• Make sure all four corners are visible, so nothing is cut off.
• Avoid glare, shadows and blurred text, because they hide details.
• Send a PDF or an image file, such as JPEG.

If a detail is unreadable, I will tell you before I start. In that case, a new scan usually solves the problem quickly.

How it works

Turnaround and price

• Quote: usually within 24 hours, as long as your scan is readable.
• Translation: typically 2 to 4 business days. The count starts when you confirm your order and I receive a legible scan.
• Postal delivery: when you choose a paper original, postal time comes on top.
• Express: possible on request, but subject to my availability. The quote then confirms the turnaround.

The price depends on the document and on how you want to receive it. Several factors matter: the length of the document, any additional document such as a driving record, the delivery format and the urgency. Your quote confirms the total, including postage when it applies.

The quote is free, and it does not commit you to anything. You can compare it with your deadline before you decide.

Common mistakes to avoid

Why choose Tradyx?

I have worked as a translator since 1989. Since 2014, I have been registered with the Court of Appeal of Caen, and my registration was renewed in 2022. As a sworn interpreter as well, I can also assist you at an appointment when needed.

• Sworn translator registered with the Court of Appeal of Caen
• Direct contact with the translator, because there is no agency
• Every translation personally checked, stamped and signed
• Confidential handling of your documents, since I treat them personally

Because you speak directly with me, you can ask questions at any stage. You also get a clear answer on what I can and cannot do for your file. Learn more about Luciana La Marca, sworn translator.

Frequently asked questions

When can a certified translation of my licence be requested?

Mostly for a licence exchange, an insurance file, an employer or a rental company. The need arises when the licence is not written in French. However, the organisation concerned decides what it requires.

Is my UK licence concerned?

It depends on the date of issue. A UK licence issued before 2021 is generally recognised in France while it is valid. Exchange is then compulsory only in specific cases. However, a licence issued in 2021 or later must be exchanged. See the official page for your situation.

Do I need to send my original licence?

No, a clear scan of both sides is enough for me to translate. However, your exchange file or the recipient may ask for the original separately.

Can I include my driving record or driving-rights statement?

Yes, I can translate it together with the licence. Then the same quote covers both.

Can I use a machine translation, or a translation made abroad?

A machine translation is not a certified translation. For a licence exchange, a translation made abroad must be legalised or apostilled. When it is made in France, however, it must come from a sworn translator. For other uses, please check with the recipient.

How long do I have to exchange my licence?

The deadline depends on your licence and your status, such as your nationality and type of residence permit. Please refer to the official page.

Which languages do you translate?

I translate licences written in English or Italian into French. I can also translate French licences into English or Italian. For another language, please ask before you order.

How will I receive the translation?

We agree on the format before you order. You can receive a scan of the signed and stamped translation, a paper original by post, or both. Tell me what your recipient requires when you request your quote.

How long does it take?

Typically 2 to 4 business days, counted from your order confirmation and my receipt of a legible scan. However, postal time is extra when you choose a paper original.

How do I get the price?

Send your scan through the quote form. The quote then states the price, the format and the turnaround time.

Is an express translation possible?

Yes, on request and subject to my availability. Mention your deadline when you send your document.