Foreign licence document service
Driver licence translation service
This service arranges a certified written translation of the foreign driver licence or permit you upload. Include the front and back so identity details, licence number, vehicle classes, restrictions, endorsements, issue and expiry dates are visible. Translation does not authorise driving or decide licence conversion eligibility; the relevant state or territory authority does.
After checking your state or territory rule, upload clear colour images of the complete front, back and any attached endorsement.
Direct scope
What this service or guide covers
A driver licence translation describes the written content of the source card or document. It does not replace the physical overseas licence, an International Driving Permit, identity evidence, an appointment or a driving test where the authority requires one.
Australian licensing rules are state and territory based. VicRoads, for example, currently states that a non-English overseas licence or learner permit must have an accepted English translation for relevant Victorian processes, but users elsewhere must check their own authority.
Vehicle categories and restriction codes can be jurisdiction-specific. The translator conveys the labels and codes shown; the licensing authority decides their Australian recognition or equivalent class.
Clear roles
Who is responsible for what
| Actor | Responsible for | Not responsible for |
|---|---|---|
| Licence holder | Provide the original current licence, both sides, established name spelling and the correct state or territory instruction. | The holder should not assume translation extends validity or grants permission to drive. |
| LodgeHQ | Quote and arrange translation of the uploaded licence through an approved written language direction. | LodgeHQ does not issue licences, book tests or decide conversion or driving rights. |
| Translator | Translate visible identity, category, restriction, endorsement, authority and validity information. | The translator does not map foreign classes to Australian entitlements or certify the card as genuine. |
| State or territory authority | Set acceptable translation, identity, validity, testing and conversion requirements and decide the licence outcome. | A rule published by one jurisdiction should not be assumed in another. |
Before you begin
Requirements and what to prepare
Front and back in colour
The reverse often contains vehicle categories, restrictions, endorsements, issue data, security text or issuing-authority information.
Original licence condition
Ensure the licence number, name, dates, categories and stamps are not obscured by glare, a sleeve, fingers or cropping.
State or territory instruction
Check whether the authority accepts a NAATI translation, consular translation, International Driving Permit or another option for your transaction.
Passport name spelling
Provide the identity spelling used for the Australian transaction and explain variants without asking the translator to alter source data.
Qualified sequence
How the process works
- 1
Licence holder
Check the licensing transaction
Identify whether the task concerns driving on an overseas licence, conversion, identity evidence or another process in the relevant jurisdiction.
- 2
Licence holder
Read the authority's current rule
Confirm accepted translation providers and the other documents, appointment or tests required.
- 3
Licence holder
Upload both sides
Provide clear front-and-back files and include any attached paper endorsement or official continuation document.
- 4
Approved translator
Translate all visible fields
The translator renders the licence content and identifies unclear codes without assigning Australian entitlements.
- 5
Licence holder
Use the translation with the original
Review identity details and take or submit the source licence and translation as the relevant authority instructs.
Quote variables
Price and turnaround factors
The quote or job screen is the authoritative place for the current amount and available timing. This page does not publish an unverified rate, tax treatment, cut-off or delivery guarantee.
| Factor | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Card sides and attachments | Missing reverse-side classes or a separate endorsement can make the translation incomplete. | Upload every physical component of the issued licence or permit. |
| Small print and security design | Glare, holograms and dense microtext can obscure dates, restrictions and official wording. | Use sharp, evenly lit images outside a reflective sleeve. |
| Category and restriction complexity | Multiple vehicle classes, issue dates and local codes require careful structured translation. | Do not crop the category table; let the authority decide Australian equivalence. |
| Jurisdiction-specific acceptance | Each state or territory can publish its own accepted translation and conversion rules. | Check the authority for the place where you will use the licence. |
Important checks
Acceptance, evidence and limitations
- Confirm the current rule with your state or territory licensing authority, not only a general Australian webpage.
- Include the front, back, paper endorsements and all vehicle-category or restriction information.
- A translation does not extend an expired licence, authorise driving or determine an equivalent Australian class.
- Take or submit the original licence, identity documents and translation together where the authority requires them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive using only the translation?
Do not assume so. A translation is not a licence. Check the applicable authority's rules for the original overseas licence, permit, translation and your residency circumstances.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as a translation?
No. Authorities may treat an IDP and an English translation as different options with their own validity requirements.
Will the translator convert my vehicle class?
The translator conveys the foreign class and restriction text. The licensing authority decides any Australian equivalent.
Do I need the reverse side?
Yes. It often contains categories, restrictions, dates and issuing information needed for a complete translation.
Related task paths
Primary sources checked
Official sources support the regulated statements on this page. Recipient instructions can change, so check the source that applies to your exact application or use case.
- VicRoads — Using an interpreter or translatorCurrent Victorian guidance on translating a non-English driver licence or learner permit; other jurisdictions must be checked separately.
- NAATI — Check a certificationThe official tool for checking a practitioner's CPN, current status, translator credential and language direction.
Quote driver licence
After checking your state or territory rule, upload clear colour images of the complete front, back and any attached endorsement.