U.S. citizens with may drive legally with their U.S. driver’s licenses for up to six months after their arrival in Germany.
U.S. citizens staying up to 364 days in Germany can continue driving with their U.S. driver’s licenses, but must register with the “Fuehrerscheinstelle” (driver’s registration office, typically located in the city’s “Stadtverwaltung,” or city administrative offices) within six months of arrival in Germany. The driver will need to present an official translation of the driver’s license and proof that he is leaving Germany within 364 days.
U.S. driver’s license holders staying longer than a year must acquire a German driver’s license. Depending on the state that issued the U.S. driver’s license, the driver may be exempt from the practical driving test, the written test, or both. Those required to take the written test can do so in English. The test costs about 40 euros. Please visit the U.S. Embassy’s website (see References) for specific information about your state.
For those planning to travel to more than one country in Europe during their stay, the acquisition of the International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is advisable. This document serves as a translation of your U.S. driver’s license, which makes it handy when traveling to places where English is not widely understood.
You must be 18 years or older to be eligible for the IDP, and your U.S. driver’s license must be valid six months past the date the IDP is issued. The IDP is valid for one year, and is only good in conjunction with your U.S. driver's license, so carry both.
A completed application form (see the AAA site in References).
A check for $15 made out to the American Automobile Association.
Two original passport photos with your signature on the back.
A photocopy of both sides of your valid U.S. driver’s license.
Send the application to your nearest AAA office (see References).
Allow 10 to 15 business days for processing, as well as several days delivery time for your International Driver’s Permit.
