Foreign driving licences in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: An EEA driving licence counts as an Austrian licence. A licence from a non-EEA state is valid for up to twelve months for visitors and six months after taking up residence (extendable once by six months).

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceAn EEA licence counts as an Austrian licence when its holder moves their residence to Austria, and for as long as they live there. Driving is only allowed once the holder has reached the minimum age for the class (age 17 is enough for class B). [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceA licence issued by a state party to the Paris, Geneva or Vienna conventions or the Transport Community Treaty is valid for up to twelve months from entry into Austria, if the holder is at least 18 (16 for class A1). The national licence must be accompanied by an international driving permit or a translation, unless it is also in German or follows the model formats named in the law. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceValid for up to six months after the holder takes up residence in Austria (same age conditions). On application the authority extends this by a further six months if the holder shows they will stay in Austria for no longer than one year for work or training. [2]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The statute only requires an international driving permit or translation for licences not in German and not following the model licence formats; it does not mention EEA licences in that context.

Sources

  1. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Führerscheingesetz § 1, Bundesrecht konsolidiert, Fassung vom 30.10.2026 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Führerscheingesetz § 23, Bundesrecht konsolidiert, Fassung vom 30.10.2026 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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