Do I need a translation if my driving licence isn't in the Latin alphabet?

Updated 21 Jun 2026

Direct answer

Almost always, yes. If your driving licence is printed in a non-Latin script — Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Cyrillic, Thai, Greek or Hindi — foreign officials and car-rental staff usually cannot read any of it, and many require a separate certified translation even in countries that don't mandate an IDP. A certified translation makes your licence verifiable at a glance.

At a glance

Affected scripts: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Cyrillic, Thai, Greek, Hindi
Why it matters: Staff can't read or verify the card
Rental desks: Often require a certified translation specifically
Even where no IDP needed: A translation can still be required
Carry: Original licence + certified translation

Trip decision path

Turn this guide into a clean travel plan

Use the guide as context, then confirm your exact license, destination, dates, and vehicle before buying anything.

2 authority sources

1 · Verify the rule

Choose your license country, destination, dates, and vehicle type.

2 · Use an authorized IDP route

If the checker says an IDP is required, get it from your license country's authorized issuer. We do not sell IDPs.

3 · Add a translation companion

Use the translation pack when rental desks, insurers, or checkpoints need to read your license. It is not a permit.

The legibility problem

A driving licence only works abroad if the person checking it can read it. For licences in Latin script, foreign police and rental staff can usually pick out the name, categories and dates. For licences in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Cyrillic, Thai, Greek or Hindi, they often can't read a single field — which means they can't verify you're qualified or that the licence is current. That's the gap a certified translation closes.

Why a translation is required where an IDP isn't

Even in countries that don't legally require an IDP for short visits, car-rental companies frequently insist on a certified translation for non-Latin-script licences — it's the only way their staff can process the rental. Several US states and many European rental desks apply this in practice. So the 'do I need an IDP?' question is the wrong one for non-Latin licences; the real need is a translation officials can read.

What to carry, script by script

Carry your original national licence plus a certified translation that renders your name (in Latin transliteration), licence number, categories and validity into a language staff can read. This applies whether you hold an Emirates (Arabic), Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai or Indian licence. Where the destination also requires the IDP booklet, bring both; but the translation is what makes a non-Latin licence usable day to day.

What to prepare

A certified translation of your non-Latin-script licence
Your original national licence card
An IDP booklet too, where the country requires it
Name transliterated to match your passport/booking
Passport with entry stamp and proof of insurance

Check your exact route

License country × destination × vehicle — free, 1 minute.

Need your license translated?

Clearly-labeled translation companion — never a fake permit.

Frequently asked questions

My licence is in Arabic/Chinese — do I need a translation to drive abroad?

Almost certainly. Most foreign officials and rental desks can't read a non-Latin-script licence and require a certified translation, even where an IDP isn't legally mandated. Carry the translation with your original licence.

Isn't an IDP enough for a non-Latin licence?

Sometimes, but not always — and rental firms frequently ask for a certified translation specifically for non-Latin licences. Where both are needed, carry the IDP and the translation together with your original card.

Does this apply within Europe?

Yes. Many EU rental desks require a certified translation for non-Latin-script and non-EU-language licences, in line with the general 'translation or IDP' expectation for visitors.

Government and authority sources

Also see our authorized issuer guidance for where to get a real IDP when your trip requires one.

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.