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 according to the Convention on Road Traffic of November 8, 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 April 24, 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. It is therefore advisable to ask the tour operator or the diplomatic representation of the country in question about the need for an international driving license or to clarify which type is required. You can apply for an International Driving Permit at your local driving license authority (= district administrative authority).

Please note that an International Driving Permit can only be issued if you are the holder of a German driving license and are in possession of an EU 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.

• 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 in accordance with the Vienna Convention: regular residence in Germany (at least 185 days per year) or residence in a country that is not a party to this convention.

• Copy of the issuing authority's file card
  Falls Sie noch keinen EU-Kartenführerschein, sondern einen Alt-Führerschein (grau/rosa) besitzen, der nicht in Erlangen ausgestellt wurde, benötigen wir zusätzlich eine Karteikartenabschrift der Ausstellungsbehörde. Bitte fordern Sie diese vor der Antragstellung im Bürgeramt an.

• Please enquire at the relevant driving license authority, as a rule the following documents are required:
• valid identity card or passport
• Current biometric photograph (frontal view)
• valid (EU card) driver's license

Issue of an international driving license: approx. 15 euros

Additional costs for issuing an EU driving license, if applicable