What you need to drive legally in Germany
Germany recognizes both an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid driver's license from your home country, but the rules depend on how long you're staying and where your license was issued. If you hold a license from another EU or EEA country, you can drive in Germany on that license alone for as long as you live there. If your license is from outside the EU or EEA — including the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other countries — you can drive on your home license plus an IDP for up to 12 months. After 12 months of residence in Germany, you must exchange your foreign license for a German one or take the German driving test.
An IDP is not a replacement for your home license; it is a translation document that explains your license to German police and rental car companies. You must carry both documents together. German authorities will not accept an IDP alone.
Key Takeaways
- An IDP is a translation of your home license and must be carried alongside your original license at all times while driving in Germany.
- EU and EEA license holders can drive indefinitely in Germany on their home license without an IDP.
- Non-EU license holders can drive for up to 12 months on their home license plus an IDP; after that, they must exchange their license or pass the German test.
- You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or licensing authority before you travel, not in Germany.
- German car rental companies often require an IDP even from EU drivers, so check your rental agreement before booking.
Getting an IDP before you travel to Germany
You must obtain your IDP in your home country before you arrive in Germany. Germany does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors or residents. The process and cost vary by country, but most automobile associations and licensing authorities can issue one within days or weeks.
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs. You need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs for a similar fee. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) handle IDP issuance. The UK, after leaving the EU, now requires British drivers to carry an IDP in addition to their UK license when driving in EU countries including Germany.
Check the issuing organization's website for current processing times and fees, as these change. If you are already in Germany and realize you need an IDP, you cannot obtain one there; you will need to contact your home country's automobile association to request one by mail or have someone in your home country obtain it for you.
EU and EEA license holders: no IDP required
If your driver's license was issued by an EU or EEA country — including all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway — you do not need an IDP to drive in Germany. Your home license is valid for as long as you reside in Germany, whether you are a tourist, a temporary resident, or a permanent resident.
However, German car rental companies often require an IDP anyway, even from EU drivers, as a matter of company policy. Check the rental agreement or call the rental company before you book to confirm whether they will accept your EU license alone. If you plan to rent a car, obtaining an IDP before you travel can prevent disputes at the rental counter.
If you move to Germany permanently and your license is from an EU country, you do not have to exchange it for a German license unless your home country's license has expired or been revoked. You can continue driving on your home license indefinitely.
Non-EU license holders: the 12-month window
If your driver's license was issued outside the EU and EEA — including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most other countries — you can drive in Germany on your home license plus an IDP for up to 12 months from the date you establish residence there. This 12-month period begins when you register your address with the local registration office (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt), not when you first arrive in the country.
After 12 months of residence, you have two options: exchange your foreign license for a German license, or take the German driving test. Exchanging a license is usually faster and does not require a new test if your home country has a reciprocal agreement with Germany. The United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries have such agreements. You will need to visit your local driving license authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) with your foreign license, proof of residence, a completed process, and a passport photo. Processing typically takes two to four weeks.
If your home country does not have a reciprocal agreement with Germany, or if your license has been suspended or revoked, you must take the full German driving test, which includes a written exam and a practical driving exam. This process takes longer and costs more than a straightforward exchange.
What to carry and show to police
When driving in Germany, you must carry your original home driver's license, your IDP (if you have one), your vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance, and your passport or national ID card. German police will ask for these documents during a traffic stop. Carrying a photocopy of your IDP is not sufficient; you must have the original.
If you are renting a car, the rental company will provide the vehicle registration and insurance documents. Keep them in the car at all times. If you are driving your own vehicle that you have imported to Germany, you must register it with the German authorities and obtain German license plates and registration documents before you drive it on public roads.
Driving without a valid license or IDP can result in a fine of €10 to €40 and may affect your ability to rent a car or drive legally in other European countries. If you are stopped and cannot produce your documents, the police may impound the vehicle.
Exchanging your license for a German one
To exchange a non-EU license for a German license, visit your local driving license authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde), which is usually located at the district office (Landratsamt) or city administration building. You will need:
- Your original foreign driver's license
- Your passport or national ID card
- Proof of residence in Germany (a recent utility bill, rental agreement, or registration confirmation from the Bürgeramt)
- A completed process form (available at the authority or online)
- One or two passport-sized photos (requirements vary by state)
- Payment for the exchange fee, which typically ranges from €35 to €50
Processing takes two to four weeks. During this time, you can continue driving on your foreign license and IDP. Once your German license arrives, your foreign license becomes invalid for driving in Germany, though you may keep it as identification. Some people keep their original license as a backup or for travel to other countries.
If your home country does not have a reciprocal agreement with Germany, the authority will inform you that you must take the German driving test instead. The written test is offered in multiple languages, but the practical test is conducted in German with a German examiner. Preparation typically takes several weeks or months.
Renting a car in Germany with a foreign license
Most car rental companies in Germany will rent to you if you hold a valid driver's license from your home country plus an IDP, even if you are not yet 25 years old (though drivers under 25 may face an additional young driver fee). However, rental company policies vary. Some require an IDP even from EU drivers; others accept EU licenses alone. Some require that your license has been held for a minimum of one or two years.
When you book a rental car online, check the terms and conditions for license requirements. When you arrive at the rental counter, bring your original license, IDP, passport, and a valid credit card in your name. The rental company will make a copy of your license and IDP and may ask you to sign a declaration confirming that you are authorized to drive in Germany. If the company refuses to rent to you because you do not have an IDP, you will not be able to complete the rental, so obtaining an IDP before you travel is the safest approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Germany on just my home license without an IDP?
If you hold an EU or EEA license, yes — an IDP is not legally required. However, car rental companies often require one anyway. If you hold a non-EU license, you can drive for up to 12 months on your home license plus an IDP; after 12 months of residence, you must exchange your license or take the German test.
What happens if I drive in Germany after my 12-month window expires without exchanging my license?
Driving without a valid German license after 12 months of residence is illegal and can result in fines of €10 to €40, impoundment of your vehicle, and difficulty renting cars. You should exchange your license or take the German test before the 12-month period ends.
Can I get an IDP in Germany if I forgot to get one before I arrived?
No. Germany does not issue IDPs. You must contact your home country's automobile association or licensing authority and request one by mail, or ask someone in your home country to obtain it for you and send it to Germany.
Do I need to exchange my EU license for a German one if I move to Germany permanently?
No. EU licenses remain valid indefinitely in Germany. You only need to exchange your license if it expires, is revoked, or if you choose to do so for convenience.
How long is an IDP valid?
An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. If you plan to stay in Germany longer than one year and hold a non-EU license, you should exchange your license for a German one before your IDP expires, rather than obtaining a new IDP.