Europe
Driving in Germany
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what Germany expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
Germany
Europe · drives on the right
- Drives on the
- Right
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in Germany?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Non-EU licences generally need a permit or a certified translation after a short grace period.
Which side of the road does Germany drive on?
Germany drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Germany?
Rental desks in Germany generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by Germany and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Germany refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.