What you need to get an IDP in Germany

Germany does not issue International Driving Permits (IDPs). Instead, Germany recognizes your home country's driving license as valid for driving in Germany if you meet certain conditions. If you are a resident of Germany and want to drive internationally, you will need to obtain an IDP from your home country before you arrive in Germany — not from German authorities.

The key distinction matters: an IDP is always issued by your country of residence, not by the country where you plan to drive. If you live in Germany and hold a German driving license, you would request an IDP from the German licensing authority (your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde, or driving license office). If you live elsewhere and plan to drive in Germany, you request an IDP from your home country's licensing body.

This guide covers both situations: how to drive in Germany with a foreign license, and how to obtain an IDP if you are a German resident planning to drive abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • Germany accepts valid driving licenses from most countries without requiring an IDP, as long as your license is in German or English or has an official translation.
  • An IDP is issued by your country of residence, not by Germany, and serves as a translation and verification document for use abroad.
  • If you are a German resident, you request an IDP from your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (driving license office) with your German license and a completed process form.
  • If you are visiting Germany with a foreign license, you may drive for up to 12 months if your license is valid in your home country and you meet age and insurance requirements.
  • An IDP is not a replacement for your original driving license — you must carry both documents when driving internationally.

Driving in Germany with a foreign license

If you hold a valid driving license from another country and plan to drive in Germany, you generally do not need an IDP to do so. Germany recognizes licenses issued by most countries, including all EU and EEA member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others. Your original license is sufficient, provided it is still valid and you meet Germany's other driving requirements.

Your license must be readable and in German, English, or accompanied by an official German translation. If your license is in another language, you will need a certified translation (Beglaubigte Übersetzung) from a may have access to translator or your country's consulate in Germany. This translation is separate from an IDP and is a legal requirement for driving in Germany.

You may drive in Germany on a foreign license for up to 12 months from the date you first arrive, provided you are at least 18 years old (or the minimum age required by your license category), your license is valid, and you have valid motor vehicle insurance that covers driving in Germany. After 12 months of residence in Germany, you must exchange your foreign license for a German license or stop driving legally.

How to obtain an IDP as a German resident

If you live in Germany and hold a German driving license, you can obtain an IDP from your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (driving license office). The IDP serves as an official translation and verification of your German license for use when driving in countries outside Germany. You will need the IDP in addition to your original German license when driving internationally.

To request an IDP, visit your local driving license office in person with the following documents: your valid German driving license (Führerschein), a completed process form (available at the office or online), a valid passport or ID card, and a recent passport-sized photograph (usually 35 × 45 mm). Some offices may require additional documents, so contact your local office before visiting to confirm what you need to bring.

The process typically takes one to two weeks, though some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. The cost varies by region but is usually between €15 and €25. Once issued, your IDP is valid for three years and must be renewed if it expires before your German license expires.

Finding your local driving license office in Germany

Each German city and district maintains its own Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. To find the office serving your address, search online for "Fahrerlaubnisbehörde" plus your city name, or visit your local Rathaus (town hall) and ask for directions. Many offices now allow you to book an appointment online, which can reduce wait times significantly.

If you are moving to Germany or have recently arrived, you can find your local office through the city or district government website. The office address, phone number, and opening hours are usually listed there. Some larger cities have multiple offices serving different districts, so make sure you visit the one responsible for your residential address.

What to do if your home country does not issue IDPs

A small number of countries do not issue International Driving Permits through their national licensing authorities. If your country is one of them, you have two options: obtain a certified translation of your license into German (which is legally sufficient for driving in Germany), or contact your country's embassy or consulate in Germany to ask whether they can issue an IDP or equivalent document on your behalf.

Many embassies and consulates can issue IDPs or notarized translations of driving licenses even if the home country's licensing authority does not. This service is usually available to citizens and residents of that country. Contact your embassy or consulate directly to learn what documents they require and what fees explore.

Exchanging a foreign license for a German license

If you become a resident of Germany and plan to stay longer than 12 months, you will eventually need to exchange your foreign driving license for a German one. The exchange process is simpler than taking the full German driving test, but it does require a medical examination and an eye test.

To exchange your license, visit your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde with your valid foreign license, a completed process form, a valid passport or ID card, proof of residence in Germany (such as a rental contract or utility bill), a recent passport-sized photograph, and certificates confirming you have passed a medical examination (Ärztliche Untersuchung) and an eye test (Sehtestbescheinigung) from an approved provider. The office can direct you to approved medical examiners and eye test providers in your area.

The exchange typically takes two to four weeks and costs between €35 and €50. Once you receive your German license, your foreign license is no longer valid for driving in Germany, though you may keep it as a travel document if you plan to drive in your home country.

Driving internationally with a German license and IDP

Once you have obtained an IDP as a German resident, you must carry both your German driving license and your IDP whenever you drive outside Germany. The IDP is not a replacement for your license — it is a supplementary document that translates and verifies your license information for authorities in other countries.

Some countries have specific rules about which documents they accept. Before traveling, check the driving requirements of your destination country to confirm that a German license and IDP are sufficient, or whether you need additional documentation such as a vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung), proof of insurance, or a GB sticker or number plate identifier if driving in the United Kingdom or certain other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Germany on my home country's license right away?

Yes, if your license is valid and in German, English, or accompanied by an official German translation. You do not need an IDP to drive in Germany. However, you must have valid motor vehicle insurance and meet Germany's age and license category requirements. After 12 months of residence in Germany, you must exchange your foreign license for a German one.

What is the difference between an IDP and a certified translation of my license?

A certified translation is a legal translation of your license into German, required for driving in Germany if your license is in another language. An IDP is an official international document issued by your country of residence that translates and verifies your license for use in multiple countries. Both serve different purposes, and you may need one or both depending on where you are driving.

How long does it take to get an IDP from a German driving license office?

Most offices issue an IDP within one to two weeks of your process. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to a few days. Contact your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde to ask about their current processing times and whether expedited service is available.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Germany for a few weeks?

No. If you are visiting Germany temporarily and hold a valid foreign driving license with an official German translation, you do not need an IDP. An IDP is useful for residents who plan to drive in multiple countries over an extended period, or for those who want an official international document to carry alongside their license.

What happens if I drive in Germany after my 12-month period expires without exchanging my license?

Driving without a valid German license after 12 months of residence is illegal and can result in fines, points on your driving record, or other penalties. You must exchange your foreign license for a German one before the 12-month period ends. Contact your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde to begin the exchange process well before your important date.