The international driver's license is an official document, usually valid for three years, that is required when traveling to some countries. The international driving license is only valid in connection with a valid national driving license. German authorities require that an EU driving license is required, not the still valid gray or pink "rags" of the old pattern. Depending on the federal state in Germany, the costs are € 15-20.
In Austria, the international driving license is valid for one year and is issued by the ÖAMTC, ARBÖ and the Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ).
Residents in Switzerland can obtain the documents with a three-year validity from the respective road traffic authorities in their cantons for around CHF 15.
There are different types of international driver's licenses around the world, which are issued after International agreement on motor vehicle traffic (Paris 1926), Geneva Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic from 1949 as well as after Vienna Convention on Road Traffic from 1968, the areas of validity of which are mutually exclusive. Especially overseas, it can be assumed that a possibly controlling officer is not familiar with the differences. Confident demeanor can certainly ensure acceptance, although it is of course always advisable to be on the road with the correct document. Especially in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and its dependent areas, it is possible as a foreigner to obtain a local driver's license, which can often also be used as an ID card substitute, in a comparatively unbureaucratic and inexpensive way.
countries
The international driving license is compulsory or recommended in the following countries:
| country | mandatory | Bringing recommended | particularities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moldova | - | Yes | |
| Romania | - | Yes | |
| Russia | - | Yes | |
| Ukraine | - | Yes | |
| Belarus | - | Yes | |
| United States | - | Yes | |
| Canada | Yes | ||
| Argentina | Yes | ||
| Bolivia | Yes | Int. Driving license must be authenticated on site with a stamp | |
| Brazil | Yes | ||
| Chile | Yes | ||
| Costa Rica | Yes | ||
| Colombia | Yes | ||
| Cuba | Yes | ||
| Peru | Yes | ||
| Australia | - | Yes | |
| New Zealand | Yes | ||
| Bahrain | Yes | ||
| China | Yes | Usually a driving test and a Chinese driver's license are required | |
| India | Yes | ||
| Indonesia | Yes | ||
| Iran | Yes | ||
| Iraq | Yes | ||
| Israel | - | Yes | Many sources recommend that you take it away, some of which are presented as a must; according to the German Embassy in Tel Aviv, however, the national driver's license is sufficient. |
| Japan | Yes | A maximum of one year with an international driving license based on the Geneva model or An official translation of the German / Swiss / Italian / French / Belgian or Taiwanese driver's license certified in Japan, which is valid together with the tourist visa, is required. Translations are only possible by the German embassy in Tokyo or by the other responsible diplomatic mission in Japan. The fee is 3000 yen (approx. 21 euros). Thereafter, a transfer for owners, only from the aforementioned countries, can be made.[1] | |
| Qatar | Yes | The Int. Driving license is only valid for 7 days. If you are staying for a longer period of time, you must have a “Temporary Visitor's Driving License” issued. | |
| Cambodia | Yes | Driving cars is permitted for foreigners. However, rental cars are only available with a driver. Driving and renting mopeds / motorcycles is in Siem Reap not allowed for foreigners. In Sihanoukville Mopeds / motorcycles may not be rented to foreigners. However, driving your own / brought two-wheelers is permitted. For longer stays, it is advisable to apply for and issue a Cambodian driver's license. | |
| Malaysia | Yes | ||
| Oman | Yes | ||
| Saudi Arabia | Yes | Women are not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia before June 2018. | |
| Thailand | Yes | International Motor Vehicle Traffic Agreement (Paris 1926 | |
| United Arab Emirates | Yes | The minimum age to drive a vehicle is 21. In addition, a “Temporary Visitor's Driving License” is required | |
| Egypt | Yes | ||
| Algeria | Yes | ||
| Kenya | Yes | ||
| Morocco | Yes | ||
| Mauritius | Yes | ||
| South Africa | Yes | ||
| Tunisia | Yes |
