Have you just settled in Belgium with a foreign driving licence? Depending on your country of origin, you may need to have your licence translated before exchanging it for a Belgian one at the DIV (Direction for Vehicle Registration). This guide explains who is affected, which documents to translate, and how to proceed.
Who needs to have their driving licence translated?
Not all holders of a foreign driving licence are in the same situation. The basic rule in Belgium is as follows:
- EU and EEA countries: your licence is directly recognised and valid in Belgium with no translation or compulsory exchange. You may drive with your European licence for as long as it remains valid.
- Non-EU countries with a bilateral agreement: certain countries have concluded direct exchange agreements with Belgium. The exchange is simplified but may require a certified translation of the licence.
- Non-EU countries without a bilateral agreement: you will generally need to retake the Belgian driving test, but a certified translation of your foreign licence may be requested as supporting evidence to benefit from exemptions (e.g. waiver of driving lessons).
Frequently affected countries: Morocco, Turkey, Algeria and others
Nationals of the following countries are among those most frequently required to go through the driving licence translation procedure in Belgium:
- Morocco: Morocco has no direct exchange agreement with Belgium. Holders of a Moroccan licence generally need to retake both the theory and practical tests. A certified translation may be requested to demonstrate driving experience and obtain certain exemptions.
- Turkey: similar situation to Morocco. Turkey does not benefit from an automatic exchange agreement. A translation of the Turkish licence is useful when enrolling in a Belgian driving school to prove years of experience.
- Algeria: Algeria has a limited agreement with Belgium. A certified translation of the Algerian licence is often required by the DIV and driving schools.
- Congo (DRC), Cameroon, Ivory Coast: although these are French-speaking countries, a certified translation may be requested because their legal systems and document formats differ.
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Translate your foreign driving licence in Belgium
TranslateBE certifies translations of foreign driving licences for the DIV and Belgian driving schools. All countries, fast response.
Documents required for translation and exchange at the DIV
To exchange your foreign driving licence at the DIV, you will generally need the following documents:
- Your original foreign driving licence (front and back).
- A certified translation of your licence by a sworn translator recognised by the SPF Justice.
- Proof of identity (passport or identity card).
- Proof of residence in Belgium (address certificate from your municipality).
- An exchange application form, available at the DIV or on its website.
- A valid medical certificate if your licence is in category C, D or E.
Your local municipality may also request additional documents. Consult the DIV website (mobilit.belgium.be) or contact your municipality for the exact list applicable to your situation.
How to have your driving licence translated
The procedure for having your foreign driving licence translated is straightforward:
- Scan your licence front and back in high resolution (minimum 300 dpi). Make sure all characters are legible, even if they are in a non-Latin alphabet (Arabic, Turkish, Cyrillic, etc.).
- Contact a translation agency with sworn translators recognised by the SPF Justice for the relevant language pair (Arabic-French, Turkish-French, English-French, etc.).
- Receive your quote and confirm the order. Specify that the translation is intended for the DIV so the agency uses the appropriate format.
- Receive your certified translationwith the sworn translator's signature and official stamp, in digital and/or paper format.
Timescales and costs
Translating a driving licence is generally quick because the document is short (1 to 2 pages). Allow for:
- Standard turnaround: 1 to 3 business days.
- Express turnaround: a few hours to 24h for urgent cases.
- Cost: between 50 and 100 EUR depending on the language combination and urgency.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is my Canadian or American licence valid in Belgium?
A Canadian or American licence is valid in Belgium for 12 months from the date of registration of your residence in Belgium. After this period you will need to obtain a Belgian licence. A certified translation of your licence can be useful during this process to prove your experience and potentially benefit from exemptions. Consult the DIV for the details of your situation.
Is translating a Moroccan Arabic (darija) driving licence different from standard Arabic?
The Moroccan driving licence is written in standard literary Arabic (fusha) and French, not in darija. A sworn translator for the Arabic-French language pair can therefore translate it without difficulty. If your licence is written in a particular dialect or alphabet, please specify this to the agency when requesting a quote.
Does the DIV require a certified or a simple translation?
The DIV requires a certified translation carried out by a sworn translator recognised by the SPF Justice. A simple (non-sworn) translation, even by a competent professional translator, will not be accepted. Make sure the translation bears the sworn translator's official signature and stamp.
Can I drive in Belgium with my foreign licence while waiting for the translation?
If your licence is from a non-EU country, you can in principle drive in Belgium with your foreign licence during the first 12 months following your registration of residence. After this period, you must have started the exchange or retesting process. During the procedure, always keep your original licence with you along with your DIV exchange application receipt.
Exchange your foreign driving licence quickly
TranslateBE translates your driving licence for the Belgian DIV in 1 to 3 days. Sworn translators recognised by the SPF Justice for all languages.