Obtain in Germany, an International Drivers Permit for my trip to Italy??

Isn't your USAREUR license good throughout Europe? We worked for DOD back in the 80's and our USAREUR license was good everywhere. Try the website: http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/rmv You can also apply for International Driving Permit online at AAA or National Auto Club website. Good luck! We loved driving down to Italy, but they don't drive like Germans!

You can't really apply online for an IDP. The application form is online, but you have to print it and then either bring it personally or mail it to an AAA office - along with the fee, two passport photos, and (if using mail), a photocopy of both sides of your drivers license.

Patty, call the place where you take your driver's license test, can't think of the name right now, it's 0445! They can give you/direct you to where to get a form, then you a picture and euros to wherever they instruct you to go to downtown. In Kaiserslautern it's near the Japanese Garden. It's good for 2 years, i think last time I got mine it was 10 or 15 euros. Cheaper than AAA! Where you go to get it depends on village you live in. It's a bit of a hassle but...Also, I've gone to 2 places now (once Pirmasens and once K-town) and I've gotten lost both times, so plan on leaving plenty of time.

Thank you Elaine. When you went to town, did they give it to you the same day?

Patty, Yes you can get it the same day, however, it does take a while to get the thing that day. First you stand in line and they approve the paperwork. Then you go to the bank to pay. Then you come back with the receipt and proof you paid and wait some more while they put it together. I think it took almost an entire morning for me to get mine done. And the USAREUR license is no longer good everywhere, but in some cases your US license is good. We went to Ireland and our stateside license is accepted for 90 days, so you should check the rules abut visiting Italy.

In K- town they did it right there at the desk, took 10 minutes, if that. At Pirmasens I had to wait in a few lines. Both places, it took longer to find the place than to get the license, base didn't give very good directions either time. But, I didn't use a GPS either.

Thank you everyone for your help! I obtained my IDP yesterday. I went to Neumarkt and walked right up to the desk, there was no line. The clerk was very nice and took my documents, copied and returned them and gave me a white debit card. She told me to pay at the machine in the lobby and return to her. I did and she had my IDP ready and I signed it in front of her.
I was back in my car in less than 10 minutes!! I feel so much better knowing I have the IDP, I know some don't bother, but I am neurotic and it would bother me :o) thanks again for your help.

Assuming you will be driving through Austria, don't forget to get your auto sticker allowing you to drive on the hoghways there.

Technically your USAREUR license is only valid in Germany but I've been stopped in other countries and used my USAREUR license or SETAF (The Italy version of the U'R license) license and never had a problem. Probably smart to get an int'l permit just in case though.

Hi! Thanks for the tips. I did get a 10 day Vignette from ADAC and an IDPermit. The permit was around 16€ and took only ten minutes to obtain. It is good for 2 years.
Thanks again!