Can I use a NAATI translation to transfer my overseas licence in NSW?
No. To transfer an overseas driver licence to a NSW licence, Transport for NSW only accepts translations from the Department of Home Affairs Free Translating Service and Multicultural NSW, and, for driver licences only, from the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Sydney. It asks for the original translation, not a photocopy, and states that translations obtained through any other means are not acceptable. A private NAATI translation, including ours, will not be accepted for the transfer. It can still be used to drive in NSW as a visitor: NSW asks you to carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit with a licence that is not in English.
The translations NSW accepts for a licence transfer
| Who translates | Accepted for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Home Affairs Free Translating Service | Licence and other documents | Free, for eligible people only |
| Multicultural NSW | Licence and other documents | Previously the Community Relations Commission of NSW |
| Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea | Driver licences only | |
| Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Sydney | Driver licences only | |
| Anyone else, including NAATI translators | Not accepted | "Translations obtained through any other means are not acceptable." |
NSW also asks for the original translation: photocopies of original translations are not accepted.
What to do, step by step
- Check if you are eligible for the Free Translating Service. It translates some personal documents for free for eligible permanent residents and certain visa holders. If you are eligible, it is usually the simplest option.
- If you are not eligible, contact Multicultural NSW for its translation service.
- If your licence is Korean or Taiwanese, you can also use the Korean Consulate-General or TECO in Sydney.
- Book your Service NSW appointment with your overseas licence, proof of identity, the original translation and the licence fee.
When a private translation still helps in NSW
The restriction applies to the licence transfer. To drive in NSW as a visitor with a licence that is not in English, NSW asks you to carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit, without restricting who translates. A private translation can also be used for car hire, where each rental company sets its own rules.
Moving to another state?
If you are moving to Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania or the ACT, a translation by a NAATI translator is accepted for a licence transfer. See which states accept a NAATI licence translation.
FAQ
Will Service NSW accept a NAATI translation for my licence transfer?
No. For a licence transfer, NSW only accepts the Home Affairs Free Translating Service, Multicultural NSW and, for driver licences, the Korean Consulate-General and TECO Sydney. Translations obtained any other way are not accepted, even if the translator is NAATI certified.
Can I drive in NSW with my overseas licence and a private translation?
Yes, as a visitor. NSW asks drivers whose licence is not in English to carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit with their licence. The restriction on who translates applies to the licence transfer.
I have a Korean or Taiwanese licence. What can I use?
For a driver licence, NSW also accepts translations from the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea and from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Sydney, in addition to the Free Translating Service and Multicultural NSW.
Can I use a photocopy or a PDF of the translation?
NSW asks for the original translation and states that photocopies of original translations are not acceptable. Ask the translation provider how they issue the original.
Does the same rule apply in other states?
No. Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT accept translations by NAATI translators for a licence transfer, each with its own conditions.
Sources
- NSW Government, Moving your overseas licence to NSW, Prepare your application
- NSW Government, Driving with an overseas or interstate licence in NSW
- TIS National, Free Translating Service
Rules change. Check with the authority you are applying to before you submit. We re-read these pages regularly and log changes below.
Change log
- 4 November 2026: First version, based on the NSW Government page "Prepare your application" read on 4 November 2026.