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World Driving Permit

🇩🇪 Do you need an IDP to drive in Germany?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Germany, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Germany follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Germany: the rule explained

EU/EEA licences are fully valid in Germany without any permit. Visitors from non-EU/EEA countries may drive on a valid home licence for short stays, but German law requires that a non-EU/EEA licence be accompanied by a recognised translation or an International Driving Permit if the licence is not in German or does not conform to the 1968 Vienna Convention. Germany recognises the 1968 (and 1949) IDP; an IDP needs no separate translation.

Exemption: EU/EEA-issued licences are fully recognised in Germany and need no IDP or translation.

Renting a car in Germany

German rental desks check the physical licence plus passport, and for non-Latin-script or non-EU licences they typically ask for an IDP or certified translation before releasing the car.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same licence/IDP rules apply to motorcycle categories shown on your licence.

What to carry when driving in Germany

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • Certified translation if your licence is non-Latin script and you have no IDP
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Germany: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Germany?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Germany, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Germany follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. EU/EEA licences are fully valid in Germany without any permit. Visitors from non-EU/EEA countries may drive on a valid home licence for short stays, but German law requires that a non-EU/EEA licence be accompanied by a recognised translation or an International Driving Permit if the licence is not in German or does not conform to the 1968 Vienna Convention. Germany recognises the 1968 (and 1949) IDP; an IDP needs no separate translation.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Germany?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Germany read your licence, but where Germany requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Germany?
German rental desks check the physical licence plus passport, and for non-Latin-script or non-EU licences they typically ask for an IDP or certified translation before releasing the car.
Which IDP convention does Germany use?
Germany recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Germany?
Because Germany follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in Germany?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Germany; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Germany from your country

In-depth driving guides

Real-world driving and IDP guides for popular trips:

Requirements for other countries