Apply for an international driver's license
An additional official document required for a national driver's license when driving in countries outside the EU.
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the Driver's License Office
Bring a valid driver's license, ID card, and a passport photo.
- 2
Payment of fees and issuance
Usually available immediately or within a few days.
Required documents
- Biometric passport photoMandatoryOften forgotten
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 weeks
Official: max. approx. 2 weeks
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Application submitted too close to the travel date
- • The passport photo does not meet the requirements
Common reasons for rejection
- • National driver's license is not valid or was not presented
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Holders of a valid German driver's license who wish to drive a vehicle in countries outside the EU/EEA.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 98.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Application submitted too close to the travel date
- •The passport photo does not meet the requirements
Common reasons for rejection
- •National driver's license is not valid or was not presented
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.