Driving license; Application for an international driving license

Within the European Union, you are generally allowed to drive with your German driver's license. For many other countries, however, you will need an international driving license in addition to your national driving license.

There are two types of international driving license:

• International driving license in accordance with the Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968 (so-called Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, see Section 25b (3) in conjunction with Annex 8d of the Driving License Ordinance [FeV]). Period of validity: 3 years, unless a national driving license category is valid for a shorter period.
• International driving license in accordance with the International Convention on Motor Traffic of 24 April 1926 (so-called Paris Convention on Motor Traffic, see § 25b paragraph 2 in conjunction with Annex 8c FeV). Period of validity: 1 year, unless a national driving license category is valid for a shorter period.

These are generally (only) valid in the contracting states of the respective agreement. In this respect, it is advisable to ask the tour operator or the diplomatic representation of the respective country about the need for an international driving license or to clarify which type is required. You can apply for an international driving license at your local driving license authority (= district administrative authority).

Please note that an international driving license can only be issued if you are the holder of a German driving license and are in possession of an EU card driving license (issued from 01.01.1999). Holders of a German driving license issued before 01.01.1999 must exchange the German driving license for the EU card driving license when an international driving license is issued.

Please primarily use the online form provided to apply for an international driving license.
If you need to make an appointment in person, please click on "Make an appointment for the driver's license and vehicle registration authority" to go directly to the page where you can select your request and make an appointment.

Please also note the information on costs and the information sheet "Applying for an international driving license online" under the further links.
You will also find the linked page of the driving license authority there.

• Minimum age: 18 years
• EU or EEA driving license according to a model to be used from 01.01.1999 (card driving license), or proof of a foreign permit to drive motor vehicles in accordance with § 29 FeV
• For international driving licenses under the Vienna Convention: normal residence in Germany (at least 185 days per year) or residence in a country that is not a party to this Convention.

Issue of an international driving license: approx. 15 euros

Additional costs for issuing an EU driving license, if applicable

Cost of fee increase

• Issuing an international driving license: 16.30 euros
• Additional costs for issuing an EU driving license, if applicable

• Ordinance on the admission of persons to road traffic (Driving License Ordinance - FeV)
• International Agreement on the Carriage of Goods by Road
• Convention on Road Traffic

• Validity of German driving licenses abroad
• Apply for an international driving license online, information sheet
• Driving license authority

  Central page of the driving license authority

• Driving license; application for the transfer of a foreign driving license
• Driving license; applying for a replacement after loss, unusability or theft