Driving Licence Translation

A driving licence issued abroad is a short document, but offices in Turkey often won't accept it as it is. Car rental companies, insurers and traffic authorities may ask for a translation. Which kind of translation they want is something to find out before you order.

Who asks for it

• Traffic and licensing offices, when a foreigner wants to use or exchange a foreign licence.
• Car rental companies and insurers, who may want a translated licence on file.
• Other offices that treat a driving licence as an identity or qualification document.

Rules about how long a foreign licence can be used in Turkey, and under which conditions it can be exchanged, are set by the authorities and can change. Ask the office that will receive the licence what it requires, and whether it wants a sworn translation, a notarized translation, or both. See Sworn vs. Notarized Translation in Turkey.

Translation or international driving permit?

An international driving permit is a separate document, issued in your home country, and it is not the same thing as a translation of your licence. Some offices accept one, some want the other, and some want both. Ask which.

What to send us

• Both sides of the licence, with clear images. The back often carries categories and restrictions that must be translated too.
• Your passport details, so the name is spelled the same way on both documents.
• The office that will receive it and the kind of translation it asked for.

Our guide to preparing documents for sworn translation has the full checklist.

Mistakes that cost time

• Translating only the front. Categories and restrictions on the back are part of the licence.
• Name mismatches. Licence and passport should show the same spelling. See Names in Translation.
• Confusing a translation with an international driving permit. They are different documents.
• Not asking which translation the office wants. Sworn, notarized or both is the office's decision.
• Relying on old information. The rules for foreign licences change, so confirm the current requirements.

How we help

Send us both sides of your licence and tell us who needs the translation. We will confirm the right kind of translation, then handle the sworn translation and the notarization if it is required.