Can I drive in Germany with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, or Jersey photocard licence to drive for periods up to 6 months without an IDP.” “You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months with your UK photocard driving licence.” “If you stay longer, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Germany, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1968 (GOV.UK table).
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
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1968 | You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, or Jersey photocard licence to drive for periods up to 6 months without an IDP. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP. If you hold a licence from the Isle of Man, you will need to get an IDP. If you hold a paper driving licence, you’ll need to update it to a photocard licence or get an IDP. |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Germany: “Transport risks”
You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months with your UK photocard driving licence. If you stay longer, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
The German Federal Transport Ministry has more information on the validity of non-German driving licences.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Germany travel advice, page updated 11 August 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
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, 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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Driving in Germany this winter? Winter tyres and snow chains in Germany with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Berlin · Hamburg · Munich
Renting a scooter or a moped instead? Germany: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Taking your dog or cat? Pet rules from the UK to Germany: animal health certificate, rabies
Other licences in Germany
| Licence | In Germany | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian 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 UK photocard driving licence?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, or Jersey photocard licence to drive for periods up to 6 months without an IDP.” “You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months with your UK photocard driving licence.” “If you stay longer, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Germany, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Germany with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, or Jersey photocard licence to drive for periods up to 6 months without an IDP.” “You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months with your UK photocard driving licence.” “If you stay longer, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Germany?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1968 IDP for Germany.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, 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 UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.