Apply for an international driving licence
In certain countries, mostly outside Europe, you will need an international driving licence in addition to your national licence.
Please note: In which countries you need an International Driving Licencerlicence is required can be obtained from the major automobile clubs, travel agencies and the respective embassies and consulates.
You do not need an International Driving Licence within the EU/EEAadriving licence. However, it can be useful if you are travelling abroadsuse a hire car abroad.
Validity
Three years, unless a national driving licence category is valid for a shorter period
This is the case, for example, with driving licences for lorries or buses for categories C, C1, D or D1.
International driving licences issued in accordance with the International Convention on Motor Traffic of 24 April 1926 are only valid for one year. These driving licences are mainly required in Asian countries.
An expired International Driving Licence cannot be renewed.
The driving licence authorities must inform the Federal Motor Transport Authority that your International Driving Licence has been issued. This information is stored together with the driving licence number of your driving licence card in the Central Driving Licence Registeridriving licence register. If you still have a paper driving licence, you must have it converted to a card driving licence.
Responsible authority
the driving licence office of your place of residence
Is the driving licence office,
- if you live in an urban district: the city administration
- if you live in a rural district: the district administration office
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
- Minimum age: 18 years
- EU or EEA driving licence or a foreign permit to drive motor vehicles
- Residence in Germany for at least 185 days a year or residence in a country that is not a party to the Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968
Procedure
You must apply for an International Driving Licence at the driving licence office in your place of residence. It is not necessary to apply in person. The driving licence can also be collected by an authorised person using a written power of attorney. The application is submitted to the driving licence office in your place of residence in writing or, if offered by the competent authority, as an online application. If you apply in writing, you will receive the application form from the driving licence office. You can also submit the written application including the required evidence and documents there.
For the online application, please use the link on this page. You can upload the required evidence and documents as file attachments as part of the online application.
Please note: If all requirements and necessary documents and records are met, the driving licence office will issue the International driving licence immediately upon personal presentation.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- Identity card or passport
- biometric passport photo
- EU driving licence in cheque card format: If you still have an old driving licence in paper format, you must exchange it for a cheque card driving licence.
Costs
- for the international driving licence depending on the city or district: 12.20 - 16.30 EUR
- when exchanging the previous driving licence for the card driving licence: an additional EUR 26.50
The extract from the local driving licence register, known as a card copy, costs you nothing.
Processing time
immediately
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
Verordnung über die Zulassung von Personen zum Straßenverkehr (FeV):
- § 6 Einteilung der Fahrerlaubnisklassen
- § 7 Ordentlicher Wohnsitz im Inland
- § 25a Antrag auf Ausstellung eines Internationalen Führerscheins
- § 25b Ausstellung des Internationalen Führerscheins
- § 29 Ausländische Fahrerlaubnisse
Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt):
- Tarifstellen 126.2, 207, 202.5 der Anlage 1 zu § 1
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 10.01.2025