What is a driver's license?

A driver’s license is a document issued by a competent authority that authorizes the holder of the driver’s license to operate the vehicle type for which the license has been granted. Usually authorities issue different licenses for different types of vehicles (cars, two-wheelers, heavy duty trucks). Usually a driver’s license is only issued after successfully passing written exams followed by a driving test. The driver’s license issuing authority has to be satisfied that the license is being issued to a component driver and not someone who will be a risk to himself/herself and his/her fellow drivers and pedestrians.

A driver’s license is an important document and in many places it is also used as a person’s identity proof. In the United States, there is no concept of an identity card and hence the driver’s license becomes even more important as a proof of identity.

When applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an immigrant visa, the USCIS may ask for the Russian to English certified translation of the driver’s license as a supporting document to corroborate information stated in the application form.

Russian Certified translation - driver's license for United States Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the state level government agency that administers driver licenses and vehicle registration. If you need to submit an English translation of your Russian driver’s license, we can create a Russian Certified translation of your driver’s license. In keeping with the state-wise Department of Motor Vehicles requirements, our translators will certify that the Russian to English translation is both complete and accurate. Our translators will also certify that they are competent to translate from Russian to English. Obtaining a certified driver's license translation can be done in 3 simple steps. The certified translation will be send to you via mail in as little as 48h.

Russian Tourist and Students using their Driver’s license in the United States. Since Russia is a party to the Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Motor Vehicle Traffic (Washington, D.C., 1943), many states allow Russians tourists who visit the United States to legally drive using their domestic driver's license for a period of up to one year.

With regards, Russian/foreign students, the DMV laws vary from state to state; but most have laws similar to the state of Wisconsin – “Foreign students attending school in the U.S. who are at least 16 years old and their privilege to operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin is not suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified, can drive with their home country's valid license for up to one year. After one year, they must meet the same licensing requirements as a Wisconsin resident.”