Translating a Foreign Driving Licence in Belgium: Complete Guide

Have you recently moved to Belgium with a foreign driving licence? Depending on your country of origin, you may need to have your licence translated, exchange it for a Belgian one, or sit a new driving test. This complete guide explains the rules in force in Belgium for the translation and exchange of foreign driving licences.

Do I need to have my driving licence translated to drive in Belgium?

The answer depends on your country of origin and the length of your stay in Belgium. Here are the general rules:

EU/EEA licence: no translation required

If you hold a driving licence issued by a European Union or European Economic Area member state (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), your licence is valid in Belgium without any translation or mandatory exchange procedure. It remains valid until its expiry date. When it expires, you can renew it directly in Belgium through your local municipality.

Non-EU/EEA licence: translation and/or exchange required

If your licence was issued by a country outside the EU/EEA, you may use it in Belgium for a limited period (generally until you establish your main residence in Belgium). After that, you must either:

• Exchange your foreign licence for a Belgian one (if your country has concluded a bilateral exchange agreement with Belgium)
• Pass a Belgian driving test if no exchange agreement exists

In both cases, a certified translation of your foreign licence is often required by the municipality or the DIV (Vehicle Registration Directorate) when submitting your file.

Which foreign driving licences can be exchanged in Belgium?

Belgium has concluded bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with several countries. For these countries, no re-examination is required — you simply submit an exchange application to your municipality, accompanied by a translation if the document is not in one of Belgium's national languages.

Countries whose licences are exchangeable without re-examination include: all EU/EEA states, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Monaco and Liechtenstein. The list is updated by royal decree — always check with the FPS Mobility or your municipality before starting the process.

For countries without an exchange agreement (Morocco, Turkey, Algeria, Russia, China, the USA for licences from certain states, etc.), you will need to pass both the theory and practical Belgian driving tests. However, a translation of your foreign licence can still be useful to demonstrate your driving experience to Belgian driving schools.

How to have your foreign driving licence translated in Belgium

Here are the steps to follow to obtain a valid translation of your driving licence:

Step 1 — Check whether a sworn translation is required

For most Belgian administrative procedures (licence exchange at the municipality, DIV file), a certified or sworn translation of the licence is required. Some municipalities accept a standard translation accompanied by a sworn statement, but it is safer to provide a sworn translation to avoid any rejection.

Step 2 — Prepare your document

Produce a high-resolution scan of your driving licence (front and back). If your licence is a multi-page booklet (as some Moroccan or Algerian licences are), scan all pages. Submit the scan to TranslateBE via our online order form.

Step 3 — Receive your certified translation

Our sworn translator produces a complete translation of your licence: personal details, authorised vehicle categories, any restrictions, issue and expiry dates, and the issuing authority. The translation is delivered with the translator's official signature and stamp.

Step 4 — Submit your file to the municipality or DIV

Present your original licence and the sworn translation to your municipality (Population/Foreigners department). If an exchange is possible, you will receive a Belgian licence within a few weeks.

Summary table: country × translation required × exchangeable?

Note: this table is indicative. Bilateral agreements may change. Always check with the FPS Mobility and Transport or your municipality before starting the process.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long can I drive in Belgium with my Moroccan licence?

In principle, you may drive in Belgium with a valid foreign licence as long as you have not established your main residence in Belgium. Once you are registered in a Belgian municipal population register, you are theoretically required to obtain a Belgian licence. In practice, it is advisable to regularise your situation as soon as possible to avoid complications in the event of a police check or an accident.

Is a translation of my licence enough to rent a car in Belgium?

Car rental companies in Belgium generally accept foreign licences accompanied by a certified translation. Some also require an International Driving Permit (IDP), issued by the competent authority in your country of origin. Check the rental company's specific conditions before booking.

My licence is in Arabic / Cyrillic / Chinese. Can you translate it?

Yes. Our sworn translators cover more than 70 languages, including Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Turkish, Persian and many more. Send us a scan of your licence (front and back) and we will send you a quote within the hour.

Do I need to send my original licence by post?

No. For the translation, a high-resolution scan is sufficient. You keep your original licence with you. The municipality or DIV will ask you to present the original in person when submitting your exchange file — but this has no bearing on the translation order.