Apply for an International Driver's License
Service description
For temporary stays in certain countries outside the EU/EEA, you will need an international driver's license. The international driver's license is merely a translation of your national driver's license and is therefore only valid in conjunction with it.
Special information for the Fulda districtAn international driver's license is required only for travel to countries outside the EU. It does not replace the national driver's license and is therefore not valid in the Federal Republic of Germany. The international driver’s license is a translation of the national driver’s license and must therefore always be carried together with the national driver’s license when driving in non-EU countries. The minimum age for this is 18 years.
You can apply for two different types of international driver's licenses:
- An international driver's license in accordance with the International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic of April 24, 1926 (valid for 1 year) is required in the following countries: Egypt, Argentina, Chile, India, Iraq, Iceland, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Peru, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, Vatican City
- An international driver's license issued in accordance with the Convention on Road Traffic of November 8, 1968 (valid for 3 years) is accepted in all other non-EU countries.
An international driver’s license can only be issued on the basis of a valid EU card-style driver’s license (see “Exchanging a Driver’s License” for more information). Therefore, the International Driver’s License can only be issued once the previous paper driver’s license has been exchanged for an EU card-style driver’s license (see: Exchange / Conversion).
If all required documents are submitted during office hours, the international driver's license will be issued and handed over within a few minutes.
It is also possible to apply for an international driver's license through an authorized representative. To do so, in addition to the documents listed above, you will need a written power of attorney, and the authorized representative must also be able to provide proof of identity.
Procedure
Please apply for an international driver's license at the driver's license office with jurisdiction over you (usually the one in your place of residence).
Prerequisites
- Your primary residence is in the Federal Republic of Germany
- You hold an EU driver's license
- You must be at least 18 years old
What documents are required?
Special information for the Fulda district- A valid ID card, a valid passport with a current certificate of residence (not older than 3 months), or, for foreign documents, a valid passport with a residence permit
- Valid foreign passport with a current certificate of residence (no more than 3 months old) / residence permit
- 1 recent biometric photo (35 x 45 mm) taken within the last 6 months
- EU Driver's License
What fees apply?
The fee is determined in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (fee codes 207 and 126.2).
What deadlines do I have to observe?
There is no deadline. Please apply for your international driver's license well in advance of your stay abroad.
Processing time
The processing time depends on the workload of the respective driver's license agency.
Legal basis
What else should I know?
Applications / Forms