Translation Requirements

You will be asked to show documents that prove your identity when you apply for a Manitoba driver’s licence or identification card for the first time, or when you move to Manitoba from another jurisdiction.  If your licence or other driving documentation is not printed entirely in English and/or French, you must supply an official translation. 

A translation is mandatory if any of the following apply:

  • The document (for example, a driver’s licence, birth certificate, or driving history) is not entirely in English or French.
  • The document contains foreign characters or words.
  • The document only uses dates in a non-Gregorian calendar format (for example, a driver’s licence from Nepal or Ethiopia).

If desired, you can use this sample Translation declaration form and bring it to a translator or translation agency for completion.

Authorized Translators

Translations must be completed by one of the following:

  • A certified translator listed with the Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of Manitoba (ATIM)
  • A representative of Accueil Francophone or Immigrant Centre with translation experience
  • An employee of the Translation Agency of Manitoba (TAM). The following documentation must also be supplied with a TAM translation:
    • Translator’s contact card
    • Affidavit from the translator
    • Signature from a Manitoba-based Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public
  • A non-certified translator whose work is notarized by a Manitoba-based Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths
    • Non-certified translators include any individual who does not have professional certification or designation by an accredited translation association (like ATIM).
  • Foreign embassies, consulates, or high commissioners’ offices in Canada
    • If the translation is not on official letterhead, it must also be notarized.
  • Foreign licensing/government agencies who hold a reciprocity arrangement with Manitoba (no notarization required)
  • Translations from non-reciprocal foreign licensing authorities may be accepted, but are reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Translation Requirements

To be accepted, the translation must:

•            Be an original document

•            Be completed by an approved translator or agency, and include:

•            Translator’s name, signature, and date on every page

•            Translator’s contact information or be on official letterhead

•            Include a copy of the front and back of the original document

•            Be accompanied by the physical document (for example, the driver’s licence) that is being submitted

The translation must be presented in one of the three following formats:

  • On the translator’s/company’s letterhead, with every page signed and stamped.
  • On the Translation Declaration Form, which  is available on the Manitoba Public Insurance public website.
  • On official letterhead from an embassy, consulate, or high commissioner’s office.

If the translator is not certified (any individual who does not have professional certification or designation by an accredited translation association), every page of the translation must be stamped and notarized by a Manitoba-based Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths.

Unacceptable Translation Documents

The following documents are not acceptable translation documents:

  • An ICBC – Approved Translator Declaration for Conduct of a Translation form cannot be used as an official translation in Manitoba.
  • Translations provided by Google or other online tools, or online translation services without Manitoba-based notarization
  • Translations by non-certified (any individual who does not have professional certification or designation by an accredited translation association), translators without being stamped and notarized by a Manitoba-based notary or commissioner for oaths.
  • Translations by family members, even if notarized or certified.

Key Fields for Translation

Submitted translations must include the key information for the specified documents below.  For all document types, translated dates must be in a standard format (for example, dd/mm/yyyy), or otherwise clearly differentiate between the month, day, and year.

Driver’s Licence

  • Driver’s last name
  • Driver’s given name(s)
  • Date of birth
  • Licence issue date
  • Licence expiry date (if displayed on licence)
  • Issuing agency/authority
  • Licence number
  • Category/class of vehicles the driver is authorized to drive
  • Date first licence in each category/class authorized to drive (if displayed on licence)
  • Additional information/licence restrictions (if displayed on licence)

Birth Certificate

  • Last Name
  • Given Name
  • Date of Birth

Rejected Translations

Submitted translations must include the key information for the specified documents above and meet the criteria for acceptable translations.  Any translation that does not meet the established criteria may be rejected by MPI.  

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