Renting a car in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: A foreign licence is valid for visitors in Germany; after moving there it stays valid for six months (EU/EEA licences follow separate rules). Some non-EU licences need a translation. The minimum age for a class B licence is 18. Motor third-party insurance is compulsory for the vehicle keeper.

RuleWhat applies
Foreign driving licence acceptedRenting a car as a visitorA foreign driving licence entitles the holder to drive in Germany as long as they have no ordinary residence there. After moving to Germany, an EU or EEA licence follows § 28 FeV; a licence from any other state remains valid for six months, which the authority can extend by up to six months on application if the stay will not exceed 12 months. Learner and other provisional licences are excluded. [1]
International driving permitRenting a car as a visitorThe foreign licence must be proved by a valid national licence or an international driving permit under the 1926, 1949 or 1968 conventions. A national licence that is not in German, was not issued in an EU or EEA state or Switzerland, or does not follow Annex 6 of the 1968 Convention must come with a translation, unless Germany has waived this. The translation must come from a recognised automobile club of the issuing state or a body designated by the federal ministry. [1]
Minimum age set by lawRenting a car as a visitorThe minimum age for a class B (car) licence is 18. It is 17 only for accompanied driving (§ 48a FeV) or when the licence is issued during or after certain recognised vocational training. [2]
Compulsory insuranceRenting a car as a visitorThe keeper of a motor vehicle based in Germany must take out motor third-party liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) covering the keeper, the owner and the driver for damage caused by use of the vehicle, including personal injury. [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. Bundesministerium der Justiz / juris (Gesetze im Internet): § 29 FeV - Einzelnorm (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung, Ausländische Fahrerlaubnisse) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz / juris (Gesetze im Internet): § 10 FeV - Einzelnorm (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung, Mindestalter) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz / juris (Gesetze im Internet): § 1 PflVG - Einzelnorm (Pflichtversicherungsgesetz, Versicherungspflicht) (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.