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Getting an International Driver's Permit in Germany

Posted by on

Hi. I'll be traveling in Germany next week, as part of a year-long trip. I have a US driver's license and US passport, and am hoping to pick up an IDP somewhere so that I can use my US license to drive in countries that require the IDP. In the US, you get one by going to AAA, showing your license, and paying $20. It's just a piece of paper, with a passport photo stapled in. Germany does not require an IDP to drive; they already accept my US license as a legal document. So I'm hoping I can get an IDP in Germany just like a German person would. I asked a related question in the Spain forum, because I am currently in Barcelona (but there it's not really possible, as I learned yesterday). One answer pointed out that the OAMTC offices in Austria will grant an IDP even to a holder of a US license.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/american-trying-to-obtain-an-international-driver-s-permit-in-barcelona

Is there something like the OAMTC in Germany where I could buy an IDP?

Thanks!

Posted by
24 posts

The equivalent to the ÖAMTC in Austria would be the ADAC. (www.adac.de). I am not sure if they can help you, because issuing a driver's licence (local and IDP) is done by the municipality where you live.

Come worst, do a detour to Austria to visit an ÖAMTC office there.

Posted by
8889 posts

I suspect you may be stuck. The IDP is supposed to be issued in your home country, as only they have the competence to assess if you have a valid licence.
You can try at ADAC, but they may say no.

Posted by
8889 posts

I found this reference on the ADAC website: https://www.adac.de/infotestrat/ratgeber-verkehr/fuehrerschein/internationaler-fuehrerschein/Gut-zu-wissen/

Sie können den Internationalen Führerschein bei den Straßenverkehrsämtern (Führerscheinstelle) beantragen. Sie sollten für den Antrag Ihren Deutschen Führerschein und ein aktuelles biometrisches Lichtbild mitbringen. Der Internationale Führerschein kostet ca. 15 Euro.

= "You can request an International Driver's permit at the Road Traffic Authorities (Driving Licence department). For the application you require your German Driving Licence and a current biometric photo. An IPD costs €15."
Doesn't look hopeful if you don't have a German licence.

Posted by
8457 posts

The office issuing an IDP is certifying that they've looked at your national drivers license and determined it is valid. If I was a person doing that certification, I would not know or care to certify that someone's foreign issued license was valid. Especially from one of the 56 states and territories of the US, all different and unfamiliar.

Posted by
4637 posts

I would not risk it and get IDP at AAA in your town in US.

Posted by
32805 posts

Ilja, she or he's already in Spain and not returning to home before Germany.

Posted by
32212 posts

You're probably out of luck in obtaining an IDP in Germany. As others have mentioned, the person issuing the license has to be able to determine the terms of your home license in order to "tick off" the correct boxes on the IDP.

As you noted, you won't require an IDP for driving in Germany but you will for driving in Spain. There was a post on the forum not too long ago from someone that was charged a hefty fine for not having one, and was marched to an ATM to get the money to pay the fine. I believe an IDP is also required for Austria and is definitely required for Italy (if you'll be driving there).

Posted by
4637 posts

Nigel, sorry, missed that. One should not read too fast.

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