Renting a car in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Visitors may drive in Austria for up to twelve months on a non-EEA licence if they are at least 18. A licence not in German and not in a standard model needs an international permit or translation. Motor third-party insurance is compulsory for registered vehicles.

RuleWhat applies
Foreign driving licence acceptedRenting a car as a visitorA person without residence in Austria may drive on a licence issued under the 1926 Paris, 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna conventions or the Transport Community Treaty for up to twelve months from entering the country, if the holder is at least 18 (16 for class A1). A person with residence in Austria may use such a non-EEA licence for six months after taking up residence (extendable by six months on application for work or training). [1]
International driving permitRenting a car as a visitorThe national licence must be carried as proof. If it is not also in German and does not follow the models of the conventions or the EU directive annexes, it must be accompanied by an international driving permit or an official translation under one of the conventions named in § 23 FSG. [1]
Minimum age set by lawRenting a car as a visitorA class B (car) licence is issued from the age of 18, with the exceptions in § 19 FSG. A visitor on a foreign licence must be at least 18 (16 for class A1). [2]
Compulsory insuranceRenting a car as a visitorA motor vehicle or trailer with an Austrian registration must have motor third-party liability insurance (Kraftfahrzeug-Haftpflichtversicherung) with an insurer authorised in Austria, in line with the KHVG 1994. [3]
Statutory rules for rental contractsRenting a car as a visitor⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • No statute specific to car rental contracts was read. Rental conditions such as deposits, damage and rental-company age limits are mostly contract terms.

Sources

  1. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Führerscheingesetz § 23 - Ausländische Lenkberechtigungen (tagesaktuelle Fassung, gültig ab 01.09.2026) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Führerscheingesetz § 6 - Mindestalter (gültig ab 01.03.2017) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Kraftfahrgesetz 1967 § 59 - Versicherungspflicht für Kraftfahrzeuge und Anhänger mit inländischem Kennzeichen (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.