Old vs New License Types: What's the Difference?
Understanding different driving license formats from English-speaking countries and how they affect translation.
Different License Formats Around the World
Driving licenses come in many different formats depending on the issuing country. From the traditional paper license in the UK to the credit-card style plastic licenses in the US and EU, each format has its own characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you prepare your license for translation.
UK Driving Licenses
Old-Style UK License (Pre-1998)
Before 1998, UK driving licenses were issued as paper documents with a green or pink border. These licenses:
- Are made of paper (folded booklet style)
- Have a photograph attached (often worn or faded)
- Contain handwritten or typewritten information
- Have limited security features
New-Style UK License (Post-1998)
Since 1998, UK licenses are issued as plastic photocard cards with a separate paper counterpart. Key features:
- Made of plastic (credit card size)
- Digital photograph printed on the card
- Security features including hologram, microtext, and UV elements
- Information is printed electronically (clear and consistent)
- Paper counterpart contains additional information (this was phased out in 2015)
US Driving Licenses
US licenses vary by state, but most follow a similar format:
- Plastic card (credit card size)
- Digital photograph printed on the card
- Security features vary by state (holograms, UV, microtext)
- REAL ID licenses have additional security features
- Information is printed electronically
Older US licenses (pre-2000s) may have been paper-based, but most have been replaced with plastic cards.
Other English-Speaking Countries
Ireland
Irish licenses follow the EU standard format — plastic credit-card style with security features. Older paper licenses (pre-2013) still exist but are being phased out.
Australia
Australian licenses are issued as plastic cards with varying security features by state. Most follow a similar format to the UK photocard.
New Zealand
New Zealand licenses are plastic cards with a distinctive design. Older paper licenses are still found but are increasingly rare.
Canada
Canadian licenses are plastic cards issued by each province. Format and security features vary by province.
How License Type Affects Translation
Readability
New-style plastic licenses are generally easier to read because the information is printed clearly and electronically. Old-style paper licenses may be harder to read due to wear, faded ink, or handwritten entries.
Completeness
New-style licenses typically have all information on one or two sides of a single card. Old-style paper licenses may have information spread across multiple pages or include supplementary documents (like the UK paper counterpart).
Translation Time
New-style licenses translate faster because the information is clear and standard. Old-style licenses may take slightly longer if the translator needs to decipher handwriting or worn text.
Tips for Photographing Different License Types
- Plastic cards: Use natural light to avoid glare. Take photos on a dark background to make the edges visible.
- Paper licenses: Use a scanner if possible. If using a camera, ensure the entire document is in frame and the text is readable.
- UK paper counterpart: If you have an older license, include the paper counterpart in your photos.
- US licenses with holograms: Holograms don't need to be captured perfectly — just make sure the text is clear.
Our Experience with All License Types
MyLicense24 has translated licenses from all English-speaking countries and from every era. We're experts at handling:
- New and old UK licenses (with and without paper counterpart)
- US licenses from all 50 states (including REAL ID)
- Irish, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian licenses
- Historical and foreign-issued licenses
No matter what type of license you have, we can translate it accurately and quickly.
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