Many countries let new residents drive on a foreign licence for a limited time, often six months to a year, and then require a local one. Whether you can simply exchange your U.S. licence, or must sit a theory and driving test, depends on agreements made state by state. France and Germany, for example, have exchange arrangements with some U.S. states and not others.
Where an exchange is allowed, the local authority usually wants proof that your licence is genuine and valid. That proof is a certified driving record from your state DMV, apostilled by the same state, and sometimes a notarized copy of the licence itself. Both then need translating.
At a glance
The documents usually involved
| Document | Issued or signed by | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified driving record | Your state DMV | State apostille | Usually needs to be recently issued |
| Copy of your licence | You, before a notary | State apostille, if asked | Some countries want a certified copy |
| Translation | Translator | Per the country’s rules | See translation requirements |
A typical set, not a guarantee. The authority receiving the documents sets the final list, so confirm it before ordering.
Things worth knowing
- Check whether your state has an exchange agreement with the country before ordering anything. Without one, you may need to take local tests regardless.
- The DMV that issued your licence issues the record, not the state you live in now.
- We can order the driving record for you. See certified copies.
How it works
Step 1
Get the receiving authority's list
Then send it to us with what you already have.
Step 2
We map each document to its route
State, federal, notarized first, or legalization.
Step 3
One order for the whole set
Across every state involved, with copies ordered where needed.
Step 4
Returned ready to use
Translated if the destination needs it.
Exchanging a U.S. Driver's Licence Abroad: common questions
Can you handle documents from several states in one order?
Yes. Each document goes to the state that issued it, or where it was notarized, and federal documents to the U.S. Department of State. We run them together and send the set back together.
What if the country is not in the Hague Convention?
Then each document needs authentication and embassy legalization instead of an apostille. See embassy legalization, or check your country with the country checker.
Ready to get started?
Send us the list you have been given, and we will price every document in one order.
Related: Certified copies · Translation requirements · Visa guides