Carsharing services in Russia are becoming a popular transportation option not only for Russian citizens but also for foreigners. However, registering with a foreign driver’s license comes with certain requirements. In this article, we’ll discuss which carsharing services accept foreign licenses, when a notarized translation is required, and common mistakes foreigners make when submitting their documents.
Which Carsharing Services Accept Foreign Driver’s Licenses?
Different carsharing companies in Russia have varying requirements for foreign drivers. As of 2024, several major services allow registration with a foreign driver’s license, but a notarized translation is often required.
Here are the current policies of the top carsharing providers:
✔ "Delimobil" – accepts foreign licenses but requires a notarized translation.
✔ "Yandex Drive" – allows foreign drivers to register if they provide a notarized translation.
✔ "CityDrive" (formerly "Citymobil") – accepts foreign licenses, but only with a notarized translation.
✔ "BelkaCar" – does not officially accept foreign licenses, except for citizens of EAEU countries.
As we can see, most major carsharing services in Russia require a notarized translation of a foreign driver’s license.
When Is a Notarized Translation of a Driver’s License Required?
Even if a carsharing company allows the use of foreign licenses, a notarized translation may still be necessary in the following cases:
✅ If the original license does not include Latin script translations.
✅ If the license does not comply with the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
✅ If the carsharing service officially requires a notarized translation.
✅ To verify the driver’s license category for specific vehicle types.
A notarized translation helps prevent issues during document verification by the police (GIBDD) or the car rental service.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make When Translating a Driver’s License
❌ Using an uncertified translation. A simple translation without notarization may not be accepted for carsharing registration.
❌ Incorrect transliteration of the name. A mistake in spelling your name or surname can lead to registration rejection.
❌ Improper translation format. Some translation agencies provide inaccurate translations that do not maintain the original document structure.
❌ Lack of an apostille (in rare cases). Some countries may require an apostille on the driver’s license for verification.
Where to Get a Certified Translation of a Driver’s License for Carsharing?
To ensure smooth registration with a carsharing service, it’s best to arrange a notarized translation of your driver’s license in advance. This will help avoid issues during document verification and speed up the approval process.