Driving in Germany: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationGermany accepts the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document. (The 1949 Geneva type is not accepted.)
Germany at a glance
- Permit type
- Vienna Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right (overtake on the left)
- How long it is valid
- Up to 3 years
- Minimum driving age
- 18 (17 with accompanied driving)
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% (0.00% for drivers under 21 or within 2 years of licensing)
- Emergency number
- 112 (emergency services)
How to get your permit for Germany
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Germany + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
The right convention for Germany — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
Germany driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right (overtake on the left)
- Minimum driving age
- 18 (17 with accompanied driving)
- Speed limit — urban
- 50 km/h
- Speed limit — rural
- 100 km/h
- Speed limit — Autobahn
- 130 km/h recommended (no general limit on many sections; limits posted near cities and construction)
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% (0.00% for drivers under 21 or within 2 years of licensing)
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all passengers
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all motorcycle riders
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to hold while driving — hands-free only
- Emergency number
- 112 (emergency services)
Documents required to drive in Germany
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceEU/EEA licences accepted directly. Non-EU licences valid for 6 months.
- International Driving Document1968 Vienna Convention type (legacy 1926 Paris also accepted)
- Passport or national IDRequired for identification
- Vehicle registration (Fahrzeugschein)Provided by rental company
- Insurance certificate (Versicherungskarte)Third-party liability is mandatory
- Environmental sticker (Umweltplakette)Required in many city centers — rental cars come with these
When you need a permit in Germany
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
EU/EEA licence holder
No — your licence is sufficient — Valid for the duration of your visit
Non-EU licence holder, renting a car
Recommended — rental companies may request it — Some agencies accept non-EU licences without one
Non-EU licence holder, driving privately
Recommended — police may request it — Your licence is valid for up to 6 months
Licence not in English or German
Yes — needed as a translation — Essential for police verification
Staying longer than 6 months
No — you need a German licence — Convert your licence through the Bürgeramt/Führerscheinstelle
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Germany with a foreign licence, answered.
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.