Can I drive in Germany with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay. The Government of Canada says: “You can use your valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 6 months.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Germany, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Government of Canada travel advice for Germany: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
You can use your valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 6 months. If you plan to drive in Germany for more than 6 months, you must exchange your Canadian license for a German one. Allow up to 6 weeks for German authorities to exchange your licence.
You should carry a certified German translation of your Canadian driver’s license.
To drive such vehicles, your blood alcohol limit must not exceed 0.05%. New drivers and individuals under 21 years of age must not have any alcohol in their system. Convicted offenders can face heavy fines and have their licence confiscated on the spot. Authorities may ask for the fine to be paid right away.
Source: travel.gc.ca: Germany, page updated 9 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
The Government of Canada says:
Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.
The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.
Your IDP will only allow you to operate a vehicle in the same class as your Canadian driver’s licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca, International Driving Permit, page modified 28 May 2026, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Germany
Hiring a car in Germany? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Renting a scooter or a moped instead? Germany: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Other licences in Germany
| Licence | In Germany | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Germany
- British passport: Germany entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Germany
- Australian passport: Germany
- Italian citizens: Germania
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Germany with a Canadian driver's licence?
It depends on how long you stay. The Government of Canada says: “You can use your valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 6 months.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Germany, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Germany with my Canadian licence?
The Government of Canada says: “You can use your valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 6 months.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Germany?
The Government of Canada advice for Germany does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Canada?
The Government of Canada says: “Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.” “The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of the Government of Canada, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a Canadian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.