If you plan to drive in Australia with a licence in Italian, Portuguese or Spanish, you’ll probably need to carry a driver licence translation done by a NAATI Certified Translator. Unless you have an International Driving Permit, most Australian car rental companies and transport licencing authorities will also require you to provide an English translation of your driver’s licence.
With TradTrans, current driver licences in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish can usually be translated for $50 AUD and you may be eligible for next day delivery. Order online or email TradTrans a scanned copy or photo of your licence (front and back) for a free no-obligation quote.
Find out if next business day delivery (Mon-Fri) is available for a driver licence translation fromr your country of origin here.
If your location is not listed, or if you need urgent weekend delivery, email TradTrans directly for a free no-obligation quote. We can probably work out something to meet your needs. Just ask.
Country of origin
Name of licence
Delivery time
Argentina
Licencia Nacional de Conducir
1-2 days, depends on province
Bolivia
Licencia para Conducir
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Brazil
Carteira Nacional de Habilitação
2 days turnaround
Chile
Licencia de Conductor
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Costa Rica
Licencia de Conducir
2 days turnaround
Cuba
Licencia de Conducción
2 days turnaround
Colombia
Licencia de Conducción
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Dominican Republic
Licencia de Conducir
2 days turnaround
Ecuador
Licencia para Conducir
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
El Salvador
Licencia de Conducir
2 days turnaround
Guatemala
Licencia de Conducir
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Honduras
Permiso de Conducir
2 days turnaround
Italy
Patente di Guida
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Mexico
Licencia para Conducir
1-2 days, depends on state
Mozambique
Carta de Condução
2 days turnaround
Nicaragua
Licencia de Conducir
2 days turnaround
Panama
Licencia de Conducir
2 days turnaround
Paraguay
Licencia de Conducir
2 days turnaround
Peru
Licencia de Conducir
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Portugal
Carta de Condução
2 days turnaround
Puerto Rico
Licencia de Conducir
2 days turnaround
Spain
Permiso de Conducción
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Switzerland
Licenza di Condurre
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Uruguay
Permiso Único Nacional de Conducción Licencia Nacional de Conductor
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
Venezuela
Licencia para Conducir
Next business day delivery (Mon-Fri)
What’s in a name?
They call it a driving licence in the UK, and a driver license in the US, but here in Australia it’s officially known as a driver licence. You’ll hear Aussies calling it a driver’s licence when they speak though, so feel free to use whatever name you want! TradTrans can provide a driver licence translation whatever you call it 🙂
Driving licence
UK
Driver license
USA
Driver licence
Australia (written)
Driver’s licence
Australia (spoken)
Driver licence translations for visiting drivers
Driver licence regulations for visiting drivers vary by state in Australia, but in most cases you can use a driver licence translation provided by TradTrans. Each state is different so make sure you check the rules for the places where you will be visiting before ordering your translation.
As a visiting driver in Australia (tourists/business trips) you can generally drive for at least three months as long as you carry your original driver licence in Italian, Portuguese or Spanish along with an English translation. You can even order your driver licence translation from home, before you depart for your Australian holiday.
State
What sort of driver licence translation do I need?
As long as you are a tourist, on a business trip, studying or working temporarily in WA
✔ Yes
NAATI = National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (naati.com.au)
Information current as at 11 June 2024
Find out exactly what each state authority has to say
It can be hard to find information online in a foreign country. These links have gathered together the important information about driver licence translations for international drivers visiting each state in Australia. Check the authority’s website for more information, but be assured TradTrans stays up to date with all the various translation requirements.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
You may need to contact your embassy or the department of immigration – good luck!
If your licence is not written in English, you must get an official translation from either: • an embassy or consulate • the Department of Immigration.
A driver licence translation from TradTrans qualifies as an English translation.
If your licence is not written in English, you must also carry an English translation, or an International Driving Permit. This is issued by the motoring association or embassy of the country that you are licensed to drive in.
You may need to contact a translator authorised in the NT for this one, sorry!
If you didn’t get an international driving permit from your country of origin, you must: • get an official translation of your overseas licence into English – this must be done by an authorised translator in the NT • carry the original versions of these documents when you drive, along with your overseas licence.
A driver licence translation from TradTrans qualifies as a recognised English translation. All translations will be done by a NAATI approved (certified) translator.
Getting stopped by police
If your licence isn’t in English, you should carry a recognised English translation of it when you’re driving. Show this translation to police when you have to show your driver licence.
The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) has a list of approved translators.
A driver licence translation from TradTrans will be done by a NAATI approved (certified) translator. Ask for a hard-copy with the wet stamp and signature to be safe, or use the electronic stamp with a QR code in place of a signature.
Acceptable translations
Driver’s licence translations will only be accepted if they meet one of these conditions:
• an original document (photocopies, faxes and certified copies are not acceptable) • translated by a National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) approved translator and signed by the translator • from a consulate office in Australia, signed by a consulate officer, and on official consulate letterhead • from the South Australian Government Interpreting and Translating Centre or interstate equivalent, or the Federal Department of Social Services’ free translating service on the appropriate template.
The information available online doesn’t mention the need for a driver licence translation, but if you dig a little deeper it turns out you do need one. TradTrans can help! A driver licence translation from TradTrans qualifies as an approved English translation.
If you are visiting Western Australia from overseas or another Australian state or territory, you can use your current driver’s licence.
Visiting drivers include: • Overseas Defence Force personnel and their families • People on business trips • People with working holiday visas • People working temporarily in WA • Students studying in WA • Tourists.
If the overseas licence is not in English, they must carry an international driving permit or an approved English translation of the licence with them when driving.
Personal communication from the Department of Transport Contact Centre, 8 October 2024
Information current as at 6 October 2024
Driver licence translations for car rental
Which companies might hire a car to you with only your foreign licence in Italian, Portuguese or Spanish?
Good for you! Don’t forget to check the road regulations for the state or territory where you’re going to be driving.
Even if the car rental company doesn’t require a translation to hire the car to you, you still have to comply with local road rules. You can read more about it below.
Which companies will hire a car to you with an English translation?
An International Driving Permit is technically just a translation, but TradTrans can’t help you with one. Hopefully you remembered to get an IDP before leaving home!
Car rental companies
Click on a company name below to get more information on translation requirements
Ace Rental Cars
You can use a translation that has been done by a NAATI certified translator. This qualifies as a certified English translation. It’s possible that translations from other sources may not be accepted.
What do I need to collect an Ace rental vehicle?
When collecting your Ace rental vehicle, please bring the following with you: – Booking confirmation number – Valid driver’s license (not a learner’s permit) written in English. Please note that international license customers will need either a translation or international permit. – Credit or debit card
You can use a translation that has been done by a NAATI certified translator. This qualifies as a translation into English.
Can I hire a car on an international drivers licence?
Yes. International and most foreign drivers licences are accepted for rental car agreements, licence translation into English may be required for licence holders from some overseas / international travellers.
You can use a translation that has been done by a NAATI certified translator. This qualifies as an English translation.
Using an International Overseas Driver’s License
If you’re a tourist, you must present an international driver’s license. If you are from a non-English speaking country, you will need to also provide a license with English translations.
You can use a translation that has been done by a NAATI certified translator. This qualifies as an accurate English translation. It’s possible that translations from other sources may not be accepted.
What are the driver licence requirements to hire an Apex vehicle?
IMPORTANT NOTE: … IIf your overseas driver licence is not in English, you must also carry an accurate English translation or International Driving Permit issued by one of the following:
For rentals in Australia: – You can use an accredited translation service approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) – or an Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT). – You can also use a certified translation issued by a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas licence.
You will need an approved translation. It is not clear whether a translation by a NAATI certified translator is sufficient. It probably is, but you may like to check with Avis before ordering your translation.
Do I need an international drivers licence?
If your drivers licence is in any language other than English, it must be accompanied by an approved translation such as an International Driver Permit, issued in accordance with a United Nations Convention on road traffic. An international drivers permit is not a stand-alone document and must be carried with your valid domestic driving licence.
You will need an approved translation. It is not clear whether a translation by a NAATI certified translator is sufficient. It probably is, but you may like to check with Budget before ordering your translation.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
If your drivers licence is in any language other than English, it must be accompanied by an approved translation such as an International Driving Permit, issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention on road traffic.
An International Driving Permit is not a stand-alone document and must be carried with your valid domestic drivers licence.
You may not need a translation at all to hire from East Coast Car Rentals.
Don’t forget to check the requirements for the state or territory where you’re going to be driving. Even if the car rental company doesn’t require a translation, you still have to comply with local road rules.
What identification do I need to provide when picking up my car?
You will need to provide a valid, current driver licence when collecting your car. International drivers will need to bring a copy of their national driver licence written in the Roman Alphabet (e.g. A, B, C etc.). If your national driver licence is not written in the Roman Alphabet, you will also need to provide an International Driving Permit [IDP] as supporting documentation. Drivers from China will need to bring their national driver licence and an IDP. Chinese drivers may use a China National Certificate instead of an IDP.
You may not need a translation at all to hire from Economy Car Rentals.
Don’t forget to check the requirements for the state or territory where you’re going to be driving. Even if the car rental company doesn’t require a translation, you still have to comply with local road rules.
What are the licence requirements?
A current full/open Australian or overseas driving licence must be produced at commencement of hire.
You may not need a translation at all to hire from Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Don’t forget to check the requirements for the state or territory where you’re going to be driving. Even if the car rental company doesn’t require a translation, you still have to comply with local road rules.
What are your driver license requirements for renting in Australia?
Overseas licences that are not easily identifiable must be accompanied by an International Licence or English translation.
If the home country driver’s license is in a language other than English and the letters are English (i.e. German, Spanish, etc.) an International Driver’s Permit is recommended, but not required, for translation purposes in addition to the home country driver’s license.
You can use a translation that has been done by a NAATI certified translator. Please note that NAATI doesn’t issue the translations themselves – they certify translators who are accredited to issue the translation.
Do I need an international driving license ?
When renting in Australia you must: – hold a full, current and unrestricted driving licence for the Rental Period unless You have Our consent: – that is written in English or if not in English either a valid International Driving Permit issued in the country of issue of Your licence or (excluding the Northern Territory) a translation of your current licence issued by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
You can use a translation that has been done by TradTrans. All translations provided by TradTrans are certified and stamped in accordance with Australian requirements.
AGE RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
You and any person driving the vehicle must be 21* years of age or over (unless approved in writing by Hertz) and must hold a current drivers licence that: is in English or, if not in English, is accompanied by a certified English translation;
You can use a translation that has been done by TradTrans. All translations provided by TradTrans are certified and stamped in accordance with Australian requirements. This qualifies as an Australian Certified Translation.
DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
If the licence is not in English, then you will need an International Driver Permit or an Australian Certified Translation of the home country Driver licence.
Customers must present a full valid driving licence which has been held for a minimum of 12 months. Driving license can be from any country. If the license is not in English, an international drivers license must be presented along with drivers license from country of origin. Self drive service only
You can use a driver licence translation that has been done by TradTrans as all translations provided by TradTrans are performed by NAATI certified translators, and will be stamped and certified as such.
Important documents
International renters/drivers also need to present a valid passport. Additionally, international renters will also need one of the following:
– A photo licence written in English, OR – A photo licence with a NATII certified translation, OR – An International Driver Permit
You can use a driver licence translation that has been done by TradTrans as all translations provided by TradTrans are performed by NAATI certified translators, and will be stamped and certified as such.
Drivers in Australia
You and any person driving the vehicle must be 21 years of age or over (unless approved beforehand in writing by Thrifty) and must hold and present a current drivers licence that:
– is in English or, if not in English, is accompanied by a certified English translation
Driver licence translations to get an Australian licence
Driver licence transfers for new immigrants vary by state in Australia, but in most cases you can get an Australian licence with a translation provided by TradTrans. Each state is different so make sure you check the rules for the places where you will be living before ordering your translation.
NAATI = National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (naati.com.au)
Licence transfer regulations by state
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
European licences
If your licence is from an approved country such as Italy, Portugal, Spain or Switzerland you can apply for a full ACT licence without doing any tests or assessments.
Applying for the ACT full driver licence
If you meet the criteria for mutual recognition you do not need to do any tests or assessments.
Visit an Access Canberra Service Centre and bring with you your current driver licence. If your licence isn’t written in English you will need to get an official translation from either: – an embassy or consulate – the Department of Immigration.
If your licence is from Central America or South America you will need to complete a practical driving assessment.
Non-approved countries or non-experienced drivers
Visit an Access Canberra Service Centre to book your practical driving assessment with an ACT Government Licence Examiner.
Bring with you your current driver licence. If your licence isn’t written in English you will need to get an official translation from either: – an embassy or consulate – the Department of Immigration.
If you want to exchange your foreign licence for a NSW licence, you will need an official English translation, but TradTrans is not able to provide one that meets your needs. You will need to seek a translation from Multicultural NSW.
Documents written in a language other than English
If your overseas licence or confirmation letter is not written in English, you must provide an official translation. Photocopies of original translations are not acceptable.
We accept document translations from: – DHA Free Translation service Free Translating Service – Multicultural NSW (previously Community Relations Commission of NSW).
Translations obtained through any other means are not acceptable.
If you are moving to the NT and want to convert your foreign licence you will need a licence translation and you can do so with a translation that that has been done by a NAATI certified translator. This qualifies as an official translation by an authorised translator.
Transfer your overseas driver licence
Go to an MVR office with your current overseas driver licence in English or if it’s not in English, you must also provide one of the following: – international driving permit – official translation of the overseas licence into English by an authorised translator – original letter from the licensing authority in the country of origin – if not in English, you must also provide this with an official translation by an authorised translator.
If you are moving to Queensland and want to convert your foreign licence you will need a recognised English translation. You can use one that has been done by TradTrans as it will be translated by a NAATI certified translator.
How to apply for a Queensland driver licence
If you are transferring from a foreign licence—bring your foreign driver licence and a recognised English translation (if needed) from a translator approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
I can confirm that we do accept digital stamps as proof of accredited translation … We started accepting NAATI digital stamps shortly after they were introduced and updated our internal systems and processes to reflect this.
Personal communication from QLD Transport and Main Roads 6 November 2023
South Australia (SA)
If you are moving to South Australia and want to convert your foreign licence you will need an official translation. You can use one that has been done by TradTrans as it will be translated by a NAATI certified translator.
Please also note that the translation must be an original signed document, so ask TradTrans to post the hard copy out to you with the wet stamp and signature.
Licences that are not in English
If your existing licence is not in English, you will need to provide an official translation as part of your application to transfer it to a South Australian licence.
Translations must be an original document and: – translated and signed by a person approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI) – translations provided by a Consulate office in Australia, signed and on official consular letterhead. Please check with the consulate office that a translation service is provided. – translations provided directly by, or with the endorsement of, the South Australian Government Interpreting and Translating Centre (Multicultural SA) or interstate equivalent.
If you are moving to Tasmania and want to convert your foreign licence you will need an English translation. You can use one that has been done by TradTrans as it will be translated by a NAATI certified translator.
How do I convert my overseas licence?
To convert your overseas licence you will need to: – Go to Service Tasmania. – Provide full evidence of identity. – Provide your overseas licence (and international driving permit or English translation if necessary). – Complete a licence application form.
If you are moving to Victoria and want to convert your foreign licence you will need a NAATI approved English translation. You can use one that has been done by TradTrans as it will be translated by a NAATI certified translator.
Bring to your appointment:
A NAATI approved English translation of your licence or an international driving permit (only required if your overseas licence isn’t in English).
Translating your driver licence, learner permit or documents
If your driver licence or learner permit is not in English, you must have it translated by any NAATI accredited translator, or an appropriate consulate in Australia. Fees may apply.
A current International Driving Permit may also be acceptable for a translation of an overseas driver licence. The International Driving Permit needs to be issued by the country the overseas driver licence was issued in.
The reference to “accredited” translators is out-of-date, but the intended meaning is the same. NAATI moved from an accreditation system to a certification system on 01 January 2018. You can get more information about the new system here.
Western Australia (WA)
If you are moving to Western Australia and want to convert your foreign licence you can do so with an official translation from a NAATI certified translator which has been endorsed with an official NAATI stamp. You can use one that has been done by TradTrans as it will be translated, certified and stamped by a NAATI certified translator.
Non-English driver’s licences
You will need to provide an official translation of your overseas driver’s licence document if any part of it is not in English.
Who can translate your licence
We accept translations of overseas driver’s licences from: – National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) certified translators (including Recognised Practising). – Tertiary qualified translators. – Permanent Pre-2007 NAATI Accredited Practitioners listed on the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI) website. – Department of Home Affairs (DHA) ‘Free Translating Service’. This service is for eligible customers only.Refer to the DHA website for further information. – Official consulates or embassies. Translations undertaken by consulates or embassies are only accepted where the language required to be translated is not provided by NAATI or a tertiary qualified translator.
Note: For NAATI translations, DoT will not accept translations by an accredited translator dated after 1 January 2018 (excluding translators holding Permanent Pre-2007 NAATI Accreditation listed on the OMI website). Translations by a NAATI translator dated before 1 January 2018 are not affected and will still be accepted.
Did you know that you can become a car share member with an international licence? In most cases you will require an English translation, but you can still join without needing to have an Australian licence.
Sounds like you may need a translation! Why not talk to TradTrans about getting one now?
Car share companies
Flexicar
You may not need a translation at all to join Flexicar.
Don’t forget to check the requirements for the state or territory where you’re going to be driving. Even if the car rental company doesn’t require a translation, you still have to comply with local road rules.
Can I join if I have a foreign driver’s licence?
Yes. We may ask you for a copy of your passport or passport details, so make sure you keep an eye on your inbox for any emails from Flexicar and send the information as soon as you can.
You may not need a translation at all to join GreenShareCar.
Don’t forget to check the requirements for the state or territory where you’re going to be driving. Even if the car rental company doesn’t require a translation, you still have to comply with local road rules.
Can I join GreenShareCar if I have a foreign driver’s licence?
Of course! If you have a valid foreign driver’s licence you are able to become a GreenShareCar member as long as you have had 12 consecutive months of driving experience. Your insurance excess may be higher if a vehicle is damaged while you have it reserved, see the Member User Agreement for details.
