Are you looking forward to travelling to another country and wondering how to process your International Driving Licence in Germany without trouble? I have been there as well. One of my clients urgently required an International Driving Permit (IDP), and I accompanied him through the process. The ease and convenience with which he could determine his eligibility, prepare the documents, and receive an IDP the same day.
My name is Lucas, and I just assisted one of my clients in obtaining his International Driving Permit (IDP) in Germany. He did not know where to apply, how long it would take as well or what documents to carry with him when applying to this place.
In this guide, I will give you my first-hand account of experience in this way, so you can apply for your International Driving Licence without fear. It is here that you will learn how to qualify, where to go, and what to carry along.
What Is an International Driving Licence?
An International Driving Licence (officially International Driving Permit (IDP)) is a document that is a translation of your German driving licence into multiple languages. It enables other countries to understand the right to drive easily. It is something I would certainly advise you to get should you plan to drive beyond the EU, as many countries make it mandatory to rent a car or pay a fine.
Method 1: Apply In Person
- Locate your Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (Driver’s License Office), typically a sub-department of your Burgermeister or Landratsamt.
- Bring your records- license, ID, and passport picture.
- Complete the on-site application form; in the absence of which, the form will be offered on-site.
- Pay the fee, generally 15-20 euros/ as per your location.
- Pick up your IDP. Most offices will give you the IDP at the same visit, or in several days by mail.
Method 2: Apply Online
- Look at your state to determine whether an online IDP application is provided there; many German states have digitised the services.
- Use official portals like:
- Log in with your BundID or eID (electronic ID card).
- Fill the online form and add your photo and copies of your ID.
- Pay the fee via SEPA, credit card, or PayPal online.
- Pay the fee via SEPA, credit card, or PayPal online.
Method 3: Apply Through a Representative
- Prepare a form of power of attorney to give to someone to apply on your behalf.
- Provide them with:
- Your original license
- A copy of your passport or ID
- The authorisation that was signed
- They take the documents to your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde, pay the amount, and hand the documents over.
- Collection of IDP- it is collected by your representative or sent to your address.
How Much Does an International Driving Licence Cost in Germany?
It is one of the most frequently asked questions: What does an International Driving Licence cost in Germany? Just a couple of weeks ago, I assisted my client in applying for his International Driving Permit (IDP), and what I realised is that the fee must be very affordable.
- Standard application fee: it is approximately 15-20
- Where to pay: in your local Fh-instelle, or Bürgeramt, or an ADAC branch
- Payments: Payments are done mostly in cash, but some offices accept debit / EC cards
- The reason the fee is necessary: it amounts to the administrative price of checking your driving licence and issuing your IDP
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Why Do You Need an International Driving Licence?
Before I take you through the steps, you must first know what an International Driving Permit (IDP) is all about.
- It translates your German driving licence into several languages.
- This eases the process of authorities in other countries checking your driving qualification.
- It is necessary in many countries, particularly those outside the EU, for tourists and for temporary inhabitants.
- It prevents violations and legal quarrels when one is arrested by the traffic police in a foreign country.
Check Your Eligibility
The initial bit is to ensure that you qualify for all the requirements. The following are questions that I always ensure I ask my clients:
- Do you have a good German driving licence (Führerschein)?
- Is the licence in hand not out-of-date completely or on suspension?
- Are you a registered resident in Germany?
When you reply in the affirmative to each of these three, then you qualify. Otherwise, renew your licence or iron out problems and then apply.
Where to Apply
This is because you can save a lot of time by knowing where to apply. You can do either of the following:
1. (Driving Licence Office)
- It is the central office where one may get any driving licence-related services in their city or district.
- In most locations, you will have to make an appointment.
- In small towns, it is possible to walk in, but it will take time.
2. (Citizen’s Office)
- International Driving Permit applications are also done in some of the Burgermester.
- Your local driving licence office normally has long queues; that is convenient.
3. (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club)
- ADAC is also able to provide application services of the IDP in some cities.
- This is an expedited choice that you would use in case you are already a member.
I would advise one to visit the official website of their city to find sure where to apply and whether it should be done with an appointment.
Application Process
You already have the documents. Here is what to do next:
Step 1: Submit Your Application
- Go to your selected office (Fhrerscheinstelle, Burgeramt, or ADAC).
- Write your name in the form and hand over your ID and your German driving licence.
Step 2: Pay the Processing Fee
- There are small differences, and the fees range from about 15-20 Euros.
- Certain offices take nothing except cash, so you need to get acquainted with payment methods.
Step 3: Wait for Processing
- In most offices, your IDP is issued on the spot, typically in 10 to 15 minutes.
- In the bigger cities, 1-2 weeks may be necessary, particularly when there is a backlog.
- They will either deliver them to you or post them to your home.
There are no tests or any extra driving examinations needed, and this process is speedy and easy.
Validity of Your International Driving Licence
The question, which I am frequently asked, is, How long does the IDP take? In simplicity, this is how it works:
- The IDP is normally valid for 3 years.
- It should not be over the expiry date of your German driving licence.
- It is accepted in non-EU countries in most non-EU countries.
- You should always verify the driving regulations in your destination country because some of them require extra permits.
What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP?
Whilst in the EU, your German licence mostly suffices. In EU non-descending countries, though:
- You can be fined or punished.
- The contract for your car hire might be voided.
- In the event of accidents, insurance claims may be refused.
To prevent these problems, make sure to visit your IDP in case you need one, going to your destination.
My Experience Helping Clients
Initially, when my client came to me, he was in a dilemma about what to start with. He was in urgent need of the IDP to conduct a business trip to the USA. I took him through general eligibility inquiry, document preparation, and securing a test appointment at the local F This whole process lasted a little over 20 minutes, and he walked out of there with his permit in hand.
Based on this, I realized that being prepared will help to make the process stress-free. You will not bump into any delays in case you do your homework and bring the appropriate documents.
FAQs
Do I require an IDP to drive overseas?
Sure, it is required in a great number of other countries outside of the EU, in conjunction with your German licence.
Where can I apply?
In your Fahrerscheinstelle, Bürgeramt or an ADAC office.
What is the time consumption?
Typically 10-15 minutes, though in others as long as 12 weeks.
What should I take?
Your German licence, biometric photo, passport/ID, and application form.
Is it to be taken by itself?
No, you have to have your IDP and German licence on hand.
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Final Words
Acquiring an International Driving License in Germany is an easy process, provided you know how to go about it. I have assisted clients to obtain their IDP as fast as possible, and the trick is preparation: see your eligibility, compile the necessary documentation, and apply early at your Führerscheinstelle, your Behörde, or ADAC.
It is legal to drive a vehicle with an IDP in almost all countries other than the EU, and you would not be forced to pay any penalties or face difficulties or problems.
