What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your original license, and many countries do not recognize it at all. Germany itself does not require an IDP for driving within the country. You need one only if you plan to rent a car or drive in certain other countries while traveling from Germany.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not by Germany. If you are a German resident with a German license, you would get an IDP from the German automobile club. If you hold a license from another country, you request one from that country's issuing body before you travel.

The document is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It costs between 15 and 30 euros in most countries, though the exact fee and process depend on where your license was issued.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not by German authorities.
  • You need your original, valid driver's license from your home country before you can request an IDP.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years and costs roughly 15 to 30 euros, though fees vary by country.
  • Germany does not require an IDP for driving within the country, but some car rental companies and certain countries do require or prefer one.
  • You should request an IDP from your home country before traveling, as the process takes one to four weeks depending on the issuing body.

Where to Request an IDP Based on Your Home Country

The process and cost differ depending on which country issued your driver's license. If you hold a German license, you contact the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) or the AvD (Automobilclub von Deutschland), both of which issue IDPs in Germany. You can also request one through your local Führerscheinstelle (driving license office), though the automobile clubs are usually faster.

If your license was issued in another country, you contact that country's equivalent body. Citizens of the United States request an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance. British drivers contact the AA (Automobile Association) or the RAC (Royal Automobile Club). Canadians request one from the Canadian Automobile Association. Each country has its own issuing body, and you must request from the one that matches your license's origin.

You can often request an IDP by mail, in person, or online, depending on the issuing body. Some automobile clubs allow you to request online and pick up in person within days. Others require you to mail in your process and original license, which takes longer.

Documents You Will Need

You will need your original, valid driver's license from your home country. The license must not be expired. You will also need a passport or national ID card to confirm your identity, and a recent passport-sized photograph (usually 4 by 6 centimeters) for most issuing bodies.

Some automobile clubs or licensing authorities ask for a completed process form, which you can read from their website or receive in person. A few require proof of membership in the automobile club, though many allow you to join at the time you request the IDP. Check the specific requirements of the body issuing your license before you submit anything.

How Long the Process Takes and What It Costs

The time from submission to receiving your IDP ranges from one to four weeks, depending on whether you submit in person or by mail and how busy the issuing body is. If you submit in person at an ADAC office in Germany, you may receive your IDP the same day or within a few days. If you mail your process, allow three to four weeks.

The cost is typically between 15 and 30 euros. ADAC charges around 15 to 20 euros for a one-year IDP and slightly more for a three-year version. The AAA in the United States charges roughly 20 dollars. Fees vary, so confirm the exact cost with the issuing body before you submit your process.

When You Actually Need an IDP

Germany does not require an IDP for driving within the country. Your home country's driver's license is sufficient. However, some car rental companies in Germany prefer or require an IDP alongside your license, particularly if your license is not in Latin characters or if the rental company is unfamiliar with your home country's license format.

If you plan to drive in other countries while based in Germany, check the entry requirements for each country. Some countries, such as Italy, Spain, and France, recommend or require an IDP. Others, such as most Scandinavian countries, do not. The rules change, so contact the embassy or tourism board of each country you plan to visit, or ask your car rental company what they require.

An IDP is also useful if you are stopped by police and your license is in a language the officer does not read. The IDP provides a translation, which can speed up the interaction.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP or It Expires

If your IDP expires or is lost, you request a replacement from the same issuing body using the same process. You do not need to wait until you are traveling — you can request a new one at any time. If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact your country's embassy or consulate in Germany for guidance on whether you need a replacement to continue driving.

Your IDP is valid only as long as your original driver's license is valid. If your home country's license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has time remaining. Renew your home country's license first, then request a new IDP if you still need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Germany with just an International Driving Permit and no home country license?

No. The IDP is only a translation document and is never valid on its own. You must carry both your original home country driver's license and the IDP together. If you are stopped by police, you must show both documents.

Do I need an IDP if I have a German driver's license?

Only if you plan to drive outside Germany or if a car rental company requires one. Within Germany, your German license is sufficient. If you do need an IDP, you request one from ADAC or AvD in Germany, not from your home country.

What if my home country's automobile association does not issue IDPs?

A small number of countries do not participate in the IDP system. In that case, contact your country's embassy in Germany or the car rental company you plan to use — they may accept your home country's license with a certified translation instead.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for either one or three years, depending on which version you request. You choose the length when you submit your process. The three-year version costs slightly more but is useful if you plan to travel multiple times.

Can I request an IDP online from Germany if I live here?

If you hold a German license, yes — ADAC and AvD both accept online requests and allow you to pick up in person or receive by mail. If you hold a license from another country, you must request from that country's issuing body, which may or may not offer online submission depending on the organization.