Destinations / Germany
Driving in Germany as a visitor
Usually yes. Germany expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Germany expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | No general Autobahn limit; 130 km/h advisory |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Autobahn: keep right except to overtake; some sections have no speed limit. |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory in wintry conditions. |
| City zones | Environmental (Umweltplakette) sticker required for low-emission city zones. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; zero for drivers under 21. |
On the road in Germany
At the pump
Stations sell Super E5/E10 and Super Plus petrol plus Diesel; nearly all are self-service where you fuel first then pay inside (cash or card widely accepted). Pumps are colour/label coded, petrol runs about EUR 1.75-1.90/litre, and Sunday/late-night availability is good on Autobahn services.
After a crash
Call 112 (ambulance/fire) or 110 (police); police must be called if anyone is injured or damage is significant. Complete the European Accident Statement (Europaischer Unfallbericht) with the other driver, secure the scene with warning triangle and hi-vis vest, do not move injured persons or vehicles needlessly, and report to the rental company.
Sources: rac.co.uk · evz.de · iamexpat.de · europa.eu
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Germany?
Usually yes. Germany expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Germany accept?
Germany recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Germany ask for one?
Requested for non-Roman-alphabet and non-EU licences at all major chains.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.