Vehicle Registration Certificate Translation


    Exporting or importing a used or new vehicle from/to the USA? Then you will need to have the vehicle registration documents translated to be able to register the vehicle abroad or use an imported vehicle from a non-English-speaking country in the USA.

    The best option is to use a certified translation agency. Espresso Translations, handles sworn translations of vehicle registration certificates and all related documents.

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    Our car registration documents translation services


    You will need an accurate translation of the vehicle’s original registration document and any documents related to the vehicle’s technical specifications for compliance with local laws. These will need to be registered at the local DMV Office to make sure that your vehicle complies with all local vehicle licensing and registration requirements.

    Some of the official documents you will need include:

    • Original vehicle ownership certificate or vehicle title
    • Personal ID (government-issued) such as passport or driver’s license
    • Import/export documents
    • Customs clearance documents

    To legally drive your vehicle in a non-English-speaking country or drive a vehicle imported from a non-English-speaking country, you may need to obtain a certified translation of all the relevant vehicle documents. This typically means using a certified translator to obtain a certified, notarized, or sworn translation of all vehicle-related documents.

    Espresso Translations has a team of professional translation experts authorized to provide certified and sworn translations. They take care of translating the documents and then legalizing them by providing a certification statement, or sworn statement (affidavit) with their signature in front of a judge or other designated court official.

    We guarantee translation accuracy and the utmost professionalism for all our clients. We can make sure that the DMV will accept our official translations. You can ask for a free, no-obligation quote on our website. Tell us exactly what you need and we will send you a comprehensive quote within 24 hours. You can upload copies of the original documents to be translated.

    This certified translation process of the vehicle title and registration will subsequently let you register your imported car for use locally.

    Below, we explain vehicle registration documents, who is authorized to do sworn translations, and exactly what the administrative procedure involves.

    ElementDescription
    Service TypeSworn translation of the vehicle registration certificate
    Target AudienceVehicle owners, dealerships, government authorities, registration agencies
    LanguagesEnglish ↔ 150 other languages
    Document TypeRegistration certificate for private or commercial vehicles
    Certification RequirementCertified, notarized, sworn translation performed by an authorized translator
    Accuracy & CompletenessThe translation must accurately and completely reflect all technical and legal information in the original document
    Delivery TimeTypically 1-3 working days, depending on document length and complexity
    Price RangeVaries depending on the number of pages and complexity; generally between $56 and $168
    Process1. Submit documents, 2. Translation, 3. Court certification, 4. Delivery (digital or physical)
    Delivery FormatPDF or paper copy, with optional delivery by mail or courier
    Additional ServicesApostille, Express shipping
    Common UsesVehicle registration in a foreign country, sale abroad, change of residence, judicial procedures

    Driver Licenses & Car Title Translations accepted by the motor vehicle registration office

    Translation of an imported vehicle’s documentation is a necessary legality before you can drive in most countries. If you intend on going abroad, you may also need an international driving license, or a translated copy of your regular license to drive in another country without problems. 

    Translation requirements vary from country to country. However, generally, vehicle documents must be translated by a translator who is authorized to provide a certified or sworn translation. This process requires an approved sworn translator to provide an affidavit in court, guaranteeing it is a true and correct translation of your vehicle documents. Only then, do the vehicle’s documents have any legal validity in the country.

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    What is a vehicle registration certificate in the USA?


    Each state in the USA issues vehicle registration documents. The exact format and data shown can vary. A vehicle registration certificate typically shows:

    • make, model, color, year of manufacture
    • unique identification number (VIN)
    • vehicle registration plate (also known as license plate number)
    • registered owner: name, address
    • registration expiry date

    In some states, the registration certificate may include details of engine capafcity, emissions, and other technical specifications, as required by local authorities. In other states, such information may be recorded on a separate specification sheet that must accompany the sale or transfer of the vehicle.

    The vehicle’s log book typically contains all relevant technical information along with a history of servicing, maintenance, accident repairs, etc.

    Please note that you should always have your vehicle registration, driving license, and proof of insurance with you when driving. In some states, other documents may be required such as proof of vehicle tax payment.

    In many states, registration details are displayed as part of the vehicle’s license plate. And, in some states, for example, Texas, registration and all other legally required details are displayed on a window sticker on the vehicle – so they are easy to verify. For security reasons, leaving a copy of your vehicle’s title in the vehicle is not advised, as obtaining a replacement is typically a long and slow process. It’s best to keep the original document in a safe place at home. However, you should always have the registration and proof of insurance cards available for inspection when driving in the US.

    You will need the original vehicle registration certificate to:

    • Sell the vehicle
    • Import or export the vehicle
    • Transfer ownership
    • De-register or scrap (junk) the vehicle
    • Settle claims with insurance companies

    Local law enforcement officers have the right to confiscate your vehicle registration certificate if it is invalid, expired, or its details do not match those of the vehicle. In some states, there may also be other circumstances in which your vehicle registration certificate is ‘held’ until clarification or proof required is presented, usually at the local police station concerned.

    Law enforcement officers typically check or ‘run’ your plates before stopping you for any infraction. So they are aware of the vehicle’s registration status before approaching you in your vehicle.

    If you lose or have your vehicle registration certificate stolen, you will need to present an application to obtain a new one from the DMV.

    Who is authorized to translate vehicle documents?


    Only registered translators can provide officially recognized certified, notarized, or sworn translations of vehicle documents required for legal purposes for importation into the USA.

    When exporting a vehicle from the USA to a foreign country, check in the destination country regarding the legal requirements for translation of such documents.

    If you import a foreign vehicle previously registered in a non-English-speaking country, you will need to get the important documents related to the vehicle translated. These typically include:

    • Customs Forms
    • Department of Transportation Forms
    • Cargo Release
    • Ownership & Registration Certificates
    • Bill of Sale
    • Certificate of Emissions Inspection

    Check with your local DMV, as exact requirements vary from state to state.

    Hire a professional translator, experienced in this process. It will save time, avoid mistakes, and generally ensure that the translated documents comply with all legal requirements in your state. Local US embassies abroad also offer a certified, notarized, and sworn translation service.

    If exporting a vehicle from the USA, to a non-English-speaking country, you will need to inquire about the specific legalities and type of translation required.

    Espresso Translations is an ISO certified agency providing translation in 150+ languages. With a global network of professional translators, we can provide certified, notarized, and sworn translation of vehicle registration and other related documents for importing or exporting vehicles to or from the USA.

    We offer a free no-obligation quote for translation services for individuals and companies in the automotive sector worldwide. If you need to import or export a vehicle, simply contact us and we will respond within 24 hours with all the details you need about translating the required documents to any country. Espresso Translations are leaders in the translation industry and offers professionalism, affordable rates, and quick turnaround.

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    Why do you need a translated motor vehicle registration certificate?


    You need to provide translated versions of all relevant vehicle documents when importing or exporting vehicles to or from countries where such documents are not locally issued in English.

    In many countries that will mean obtaining a certified, notarized, or sworn translation to satisfy the local DMV or equivalent government department.

    What do they say about us?


    With many years of experience across diverse industries, Espresso Translations provides unmatched professionalism, translation accuracy, and ISO certified quality processes. Clients value our excellent service, provided by our expert translation project managers, who help and advise clients during each stage of the translation process.

    I was impressed by how quick Espresso Translations translated my vehicle registration certificate. The quote I got was transparent and detailed, and the final documents were accepted by the local vehicle registration department without question. A really good service all around.

    – Eleonora

    Espresso Translations gave me a clear quote and delivered the translated documents as promised. When I presented the translated registration for my car, there were no problems. Couldn’t be happier with the great service I received. Highly recommend this agency!

    – Paolo

    Where can I translate my motor vehicle registration certificate?


    In theory, anyone can translate vehicle documents in the USA. However, many countries, especially non-English-speaking ones require that such documents are legalized before they can be used for importation/exportation purposes. Generally, the requirement is for certified, notarized, or sworn translations.

    In some cases, local embassies or consulates may offer such translation services. However, Espresso Translations offers services worldwide, with an online quote service, making the entire process quick and easy.

    Our process:

    • Client accepts quote
    • We assign a professional translator, a specialist intranslating vehicle documents
    • The translated documents pass through our ISO certified quality control process, a further review by another translation expert.
    • Certification: The translator will attach the Certificate of Translation Accuracy (if required)
    • Notarization: The translator presents the documents to a notary public to receive an apostille and the official stamp of the notary.
    • Sworn: The translator appears before a court official to swear an oath, attesting to the accuracy and fidelity of the translated documents. This sworn statement is then attached to the translated documents.
    • The final translation package consists of the original documents, translated versions, and the required legalization (certified, notarized, sworn, etc.) documents.
    • Delivery: when everything is complete, we send the translated documents to the client in PDF format by email and hard copies by mail or courier as required.

    As you can see, Espresso Translations takes care of everything for you, giving you a seamless translation experience.

    Motor vehicle registration certificate translation template


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    Example of certified translation of vehicle registration document

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    How much does it cost to translate a vehicle registration certificate?


    As a guide, expect to pay around $33 per page (350 words per page). Additional local charges may also apply, such as local taxes, costs of notarization, and sworn legalization procedures and documents.

    Translation costs vary depending on several aspects:

    • Source and target language (language pairs)
    • Number of words
    • Complexity (technical terms)
    • Reproduction of graphic elements (stamps, seals, logos, etc.)

    At Espresso Translations, our professional translators work in over 150 languages from around the world. To find out exactly how much your translation will cost, ask us for a quote. We will provide a clear breakdown of all costs, additional fees, and local taxes to be paid in relation to translating and legalizing your vehicle documents, within 24 hours.

    How long does translation of a vehicle registration certificate take?


    The turnaround time varies depending on several things such as the number of pages and languages involved. Also, the type of certification procedure required affects how long it takes to complete a translation.

    As an accredited translation agency, we can certify translations in-house. However, notarized and sworn translations require a third party (notary or court-appointed official). The good news is that Espresso Translations knows how and when to access such third parties quickly and efficiently, guaranteeing your translated and legalized documents are delivered as soon as possible.

    Using Espresso Translations to get your vehicle documentation translated means you avoid any risk of delays or misunderstandings about what is needed to legalize your documents.

    And, for urgent cases, we offer our special Express Service. This effectively cuts the time in half for the translation process. So if you are in a hurry to get your translated documents, be sure to ask about our ‘express’ delivery translation service.

    Selling or purchasing a new or used vehicle for import/export requires reliable experts to facilitate the necessary translation; vehicle documents must be translated and legalized correctly to enable you or the new owner to comply with local regulations to register the vehicle at the DMV or the equivalent vehicle administration department in another country. Trust Espresso Translations, our translators specialize in such work.

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    Frequently Asked Questions


    What is the difference between a vehicle registration certificate and a vehicle logbook

    Vehicle registration certificate/document

    Purpose: Identifies vehicle make, model, unique vehicle identification number (VIN), owner, owner’s address, license plate number, and expiration date,
    Issuer: Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states require you to register your vehicle in person. Others allow online vehicle registration.
    Presentation: You must have your vehicle registration document with you while driving. You may be requested to produce it by local law enforcement officers in the event of a routine traffic stop or traffic accident.

    Vehicle logbook (log book)

    Purpose: Generally, for private vehicle use, a logbook provides an essential history of the vehicle’s servicing and maintenance. It records scheduled maintenance and servicing recommended by the manufacturer, accident repairs and other crucial work carried out on the vehicle either by the main dealer or other party. However, commercial driver logbooks are different. Their purpose is the verification of the number of hours and distances driven by the driver to ensure that state and federal safety guidelines are followed.
    Issuer: Vehicle manufacturer (vehicle logbook) or haulage company (driver logbook)
    Presentation: There is no legal need for a driver using a personal vehicle to keep or present a logbook. However, maintaining a logbook, especially for new models, helps maintain their value when sold or traded on the used market.

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