Driver Record or Other Driving-related Document – United States

In the United States, driving records are kept state by state. Your driver record (also called a driving history, driver abstract or MVR) is issued by the state agency in charge of licences, often known as the DMV. It shows your identity, licence number and class, validity dates and status and, depending on the type of record, any violations, accidents, points and suspensions.

When do you need it translated?

• Exchanging your US licence for a French one through the ANTS (the French licensing agency), which may ask for recent proof of your driving entitlement. Only licences from some states can be exchanged.

• Exchanging a licence that was lost or stolen, where a document from the issuing state may be required.

• Taking out car insurance in France, if the insurer asks you to show your US driving experience.

• Applying for a job that involves driving.

Our translation

The certified translation covers the whole record: headings, violation codes and descriptions, dates, certification statements, seals and signatures. Each state has its own format and some issue several kinds of record (three-, five- or seven-year history, full history, letter of clearance, with or without violations). Pick the version that bears your state's name and the exact title of your document.