Foreign driving licences in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: A licence from another EU/EEA state is recognised, including after the holder becomes a resident, with time limits for classes C and D. A licence from outside the EU/EEA is valid while the holder is not resident and for six months afterwards.

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 licenceValid in Germany within the scope of the entitlement, even with ordinary residence in Germany. The EU/EEA licence is not required to be exchanged. Exceptions: licence issued while the holder was already resident in Germany (students and pupils on a stay of at least six months excepted), and withdrawals or bans recorded in the register. For classes C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE and D1E the German validity periods also apply, counted from the foreign issue date. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceValid in Germany within the scope of the entitlement while the holder has no ordinary residence in Germany. A licence not in German, not from an EU/EEA state or Switzerland, or not matching Annex 6 of the 1968 Convention generally needs a translation from a recognised automobile club or a designated body. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceThe entitlement continues for six months after the holder establishes ordinary residence in Germany. The licensing authority may extend this period by up to six months on application. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licenceNo [1]

Notes

  • Section 29(2) FeV accepts a national or an international driving licence as proof; a translation is needed only for a licence that is not in German, not from an EU/EEA state or Switzerland, or not in the convention format.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz / gesetze-im-internet.de: § 29 Ausländische Fahrerlaubnisse (FeV) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz / gesetze-im-internet.de: § 28 Anerkennung von Fahrerlaubnissen aus Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union oder des Europäischen Wirtschaftsraums (FeV) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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