Driving abroad with a German license
🇩🇪 Where your license works on its own, where you need an official IDP, and where a translation helps. Last reviewed November 3, 2026.
Short answer: Your German license is accepted as it is across the EU and EEA, so you don't need an IDP for trips within Europe. You need an official International Driving Permit from your local driving license office (Führerscheinstelle) for countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia (Bali) and Taiwan. Where an IDP isn't required, a translation of your license helps rental desks and police read it, for example in Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom and Costa Rica.
Where your German license is accepted as it is
EU and EEA licenses are valid across these countries for visits:
Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, Iceland, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Cyprus
Where a translation helps
An IDP isn't usually required for short visits, but your license is in German, so a translation helps rental staff and police read it:
Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, Montenegro, Albania, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, Belize, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Fiji, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia
Where you need an official IDP
These countries expect drivers with a German license to carry an official International Driving Permit. A translation does not replace it.
Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia (Bali), Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt
Japan: drivers with a German license need an official Japanese translation from JAF instead of an IDP. Private translations, including ours, are not accepted there.
How to get an IDP in Germany
Get it from your local driving license office (Führerscheinstelle). You can usually get an internationaler Führerschein the same day at your local office. Bring your license, ID and a passport photo. Be wary of websites that sell an "international driver's license": here's why.
Common questions
Where do I get an IDP in Germany?
From your local driving license office (Führerscheinstelle). You can usually get an internationaler Führerschein the same day at your local office. Bring your license, ID and a passport photo.
Can I drive in Japan with a German license?
Not with an IDP. Japan asks drivers with a German license for an official Japanese translation from JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) or your embassy. Private translations, including instantEDP, are not accepted in Japan.
Is a license translation the same as an IDP?
No. An IDP is an official document from your local driving license office (Führerscheinstelle). A translation is a private document that helps people read your license. It doesn't replace an IDP where one is required.
How do I get my German license translated?
Order online with instantEDP. It takes about 3 minutes, costs $19.99, and your translation arrives by email within 30 minutes.
Other license countries
- Driving abroad with a UK license
- Driving abroad with a Dutch license
- Driving abroad with an Indian license
- Driving abroad with a French license
Rules change, and acceptance is up to local authorities and rental companies. Check the official rules for your destination before you travel. instantEDP is a private translation service, not an IDP issuer.