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International driver's licence or permit
How to acquire such a driving license
Is there anyone out there with an international drivers licence and was it difficult? Or any other suggestions to cheaply acquire one here (I'm from the U.S. obviously -- VT to be exact).
My mom bought one for $4 before she came out to visit me, but I honestly don't see what the purpose is. Your driver's license is perfectly valid out here (unless you're staying longer than 6 months). Are you just visiting or will you be staying long term?
Ive been here for 5 1/2 months and plan on being here for 1 more year! Just learned how to drive a stick too...not as bad as I thought. ha.
Ah, too bad you're already here. Vermont does not have a reciprocal agreement with Germany, so you'd have to do tests and fork out at least 1000 EUR to get a license. Had you just driven to Massachusetts and gotten a license there before coming here, you'd just be able to trade it in for a German one (I had the same problem, as I'm from California, and we don't have a reciprocal agreement either - but Arizona does ).
).
Theres someone in my german class from Cali and he said he just sent away for it and as long as you have a perfect driving record and your licence for more than 1 year and 60 bucks...your golden. hmmm. sounded too good to be true.
If you're staying that long, you'll have to get a German driver's license. The international one won't be valid for more than 6 months from the point you arrived in Germany. For info on getting a German driving license, see these links:
German driver's license - How to get one
...and various others, just do a search.
German driver's license - How to get one
...and various others, just do a search.
I honestly have no idea what purpose those international driver's licenses have or if they are considered sufficient. I would guess not, but then that would be a guess.
Edit: Ok, question answered above, which was what I suspected. You'd be better off travelling home for a visit and picking up a license in one of the states with a reciprocal agreement.
Edit: Ok, question answered above, which was what I suspected. You'd be better off travelling home for a visit and picking up a license in one of the states with a reciprocal agreement.
Thanks for the help!!! I appreciate it.
No problem!
Just one suggestion, though. Stuff like this has been discussed ad infinitum on this forum before, so next time use the search function up in the upper right corner to check before asking. You might catch us in a grumpy mood and get bitten.
Just one suggestion, though. Stuff like this has been discussed ad infinitum on this forum before, so next time use the search function up in the upper right corner to check before asking. You might catch us in a grumpy mood and get bitten.
@IPJ: No, look at her profile. She's young and female, she's gonna get helped.
haha. thanks for the advice. im totally new to this. didnt even know i had a profile...
Well, welcome. We were all new once.
For future reference, an international driver's licence is only a multi-language copy of your regular licence. It holds no benefits over your regular licence.
Thanks for clarifying that, showem. I've been wondering what the heck they're for.
Welcome to Toytown, Kileo!
Welcome to Toytown, Kileo!
QUOTE (showem @ Aug 1 2005, 9:50 pm)
For future reference, an international driver's licence is only a multi-language copy of your regular licence. It holds no benefits over your regular licence.
It holds no benefits in Germany or Europe, it's true, but it is necessary in some countries or authorities that won't or don't accept your standard licence unless it's backed up by the international one. I've needed an international licence (in tandem with my normal one) to be able to rent cars in former Russian states, UAE and China.
YL6
Okay, yes, I was going to add, it makes it easier to rent cars and to be given tickets.
QUOTE (YorkshireLad6 @ Aug 1 2005, 10:23 pm)
It holds no benefits in Germany or Europe, it's true, but it is necessary in some countries or authorities that won't or don't accept your standard licence unless it's backed up by the international one. I've needed an international licence (in tandem with my normal one) to be able to rent cars in former Russian states, UAE and China.
YL6
YL6
Probably because those places use a different character set and don't necessarily understand what you have written on your native drivers license. As a poster has mentioned above, this is what the international drivers license is for.
Kileo
If you've already anmelded, then it's already too late for you to go to Mass and get a Mass drivers License. You will have to do the German test and get a German drivers license. The advantage is that you will not have to give up your VT one as you've earned the German one separatley.
You would need a international Drivers licnese if you gave up your mass one for a german one and then went back to the states to rent a car. Some rental agencies in the states will not accept a german drives license, only an international one.
You can get your german driver licnese inernationalised at ADAC for a fee.
Good luck!
If you've already anmelded, then it's already too late for you to go to Mass and get a Mass drivers License. You will have to do the German test and get a German drivers license. The advantage is that you will not have to give up your VT one as you've earned the German one separatley.
You would need a international Drivers licnese if you gave up your mass one for a german one and then went back to the states to rent a car. Some rental agencies in the states will not accept a german drives license, only an international one.
You can get your german driver licnese inernationalised at ADAC for a fee.
Good luck!
Not necessarily true, Bumpy. I know people who've done it. They don't always look closely at those dates. It's certainly worth a try first, before spending the big bucks to get a German one.
Hi, I got an International Driving Permit issued from the Automobile Association in Singapore. It is for use outside home. It also states that it's valid for ONE year, nothing about being invalid should I take up residency in the country outside home. The International Driving Licence issued in USA is differently worded, to the effect of it being invalid upon taking up residency in that country.
I did a search "International + Driving" here but found nothing. Before I go to the Polizei to clarify, I'd like to see if anyone here have similar experience. So my questions are:
- Is anyone else using an international driver's permit here?
- Does anyone know if an international driving licence that's valid as it is stated be used in Germany in "replacement" of the expensive conversion to a German driver licence?
- If I can't use the permit in Germany because of the residency issue, I can use this whenever I'm at the neighbouring countries, oder?
Thanks!
Topics merged by admin
I did a search "International + Driving" here but found nothing. Before I go to the Polizei to clarify, I'd like to see if anyone here have similar experience. So my questions are:
- Is anyone else using an international driver's permit here?
- Does anyone know if an international driving licence that's valid as it is stated be used in Germany in "replacement" of the expensive conversion to a German driver licence?
- If I can't use the permit in Germany because of the residency issue, I can use this whenever I'm at the neighbouring countries, oder?
Thanks!
Topics merged by admin
no clue at all! from what i take on it the int'l permit though is only as good as your home country one or as good as germany allows non-german license to be good (i think it's 3-6 months. i know us you can get extended for up to a total of 1 yr if you prove you're leaving the country at the end of that year.. or somethign like that perhaps it's 6 months), but from what i gather the int'l one is only good for a certain amount of time, but should be fine for when you visit other countries. but the german one is good too when you're visiting neighboring countries... who knows!
International licence is useless in Germany.
They only ask for the original licence which is valid for 6 months from your date of registration in Germany.
As mere pointed out above, it can be extended for another 6 months only if your contract is for a total of one year or less.
They only ask for the original licence which is valid for 6 months from your date of registration in Germany.
As mere pointed out above, it can be extended for another 6 months only if your contract is for a total of one year or less.
I found this in the meantime:
Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis - Anlage 11-Staaten (ohne USA und Kanada)
It applies to the following nationalities:
Andorra, Französisch-Polynesien, Guernsey, Insel Man, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Kroatien, Monaco, Neukaledonien, San Marino, Schweiz, Singapur, Südafrika, Südkorea (=Republik Korea), Taiwan
It reads to me that it's a conversion, but no mention of having to take tests. My German ain't 100% perfect. Hope it really just means a direct exchange, no tests! *HOPEFUL*
Haven't got time to go down to the Polizei still...
Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis - Anlage 11-Staaten (ohne USA und Kanada)
It applies to the following nationalities:
Andorra, Französisch-Polynesien, Guernsey, Insel Man, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Kroatien, Monaco, Neukaledonien, San Marino, Schweiz, Singapur, Südafrika, Südkorea (=Republik Korea), Taiwan
It reads to me that it's a conversion, but no mention of having to take tests. My German ain't 100% perfect. Hope it really just means a direct exchange, no tests! *HOPEFUL*
Haven't got time to go down to the Polizei still...
Well, it looks like you are in the same category as Israel. Do a search of the forum, an Israeli recently wrote about her experiences in getting a german licence.
if you do have an american drivers license you can transfer it for the cost of the translation and about forty euros, i think this applies to most states, i think. i did my canadian drivers license and it cost me a total of eighty euros which compared to the price of a normal german license is nothing. usually it ranges at about 1600 to get a license here. the place to get info is adac. they know all. unfortunately to do this you have to be a registered resident of germany, because the drivers license people are designated by what city you live in, and you can only use the ampt if you are registered in that city.
QUOTE (Persius @ Dec 9 2005, 4:18 pm)
Well, it looks like you are in the same category as Israel. Do a search of the forum, an Israeli recently wrote about her experiences in getting a german licence.
I remember reading that, it was quite a story (hope zimmer doesn't end up tearing her hair out).
I emailed a German friend the
Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis - Anlage 11-Staaten (ohne USA und Kanada). Hopefully he replies soon, or if anyone out there with better German than I to
I searched "Israel", "Israeli", "driving". Nothing. Do you remember if it was "hidden" in some other thread?
Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis - Anlage 11-Staaten (ohne USA und Kanada). Hopefully he replies soon, or if anyone out there with better German than I to
QUOTE (Persius @ Dec 9 2005, 4:18 pm)
Well, it looks like you are in the same category as Israel. Do a search of the forum, an Israeli recently wrote about her experiences in getting a german licence.
I searched "Israel", "Israeli", "driving". Nothing. Do you remember if it was "hidden" in some other thread?
It was in "Life in Munich" and entitled - wait for it - "2 x €16 to validate that "B" is "B". You'll have to look it up yourself, sorry, didn't manage to post the link.
Good luck.
Good luck.
thanks Kay! found "2 x €16 to validate that "B" is "B" 2 x €16 to validate that 'B' is 'B' and posted for the author to reply
keeping fingers crossed that my DL require only a translation of doc & NO tests!
keeping fingers crossed that my DL require only a translation of doc & NO tests!
As far as I understand an "international driving licence" is just a translation of the licence you have. You will need both your original and the international licence if stopped by the police or renting a car etc.
@tigress: the international driving permit & your original DL is NOT sufficient here, as i heard (and you read these posts). i thought like you before because that's what the AA says back home when you get it. BUT there is this "abide by your residency law in Germany" so from what i'm reading, you need to get a German DL if you intend to live here past 6 months. the international DL is not valid. you can rent a car, no problem but driving?! pray you don't get into any accident. i heard the horror story of an American woman kept in police custody for not having the German DL!
QUOTE
if you do have an american drivers license you can transfer it for the cost of the translation and about forty euros, i think this applies to most states, i think.
Nope, this applies for some states. Others only have to do half the German procedure, and yet others (and unfortunately mine) require the full German deal.
I have de-registered and am no longer in Germany. But as I am working for the same company, the possibility exists that I may be back some day. While I was in Germany, I farted around and missed the deadline by which you can switch your US license over without taking any tests. If I come back, my FIRST order of business will be to get my US license switched over. Otherwise it will mean going to driving school, taking a written test AND taking a road test. All total about 2000 euros (maybe more?). No thanks.
The BBC is reporting (see here) that a desision has been made to create a single European driving licence which will replace the dozens of different types across the EU. This is subject to final approval, but it means that the existing national licences will be phased out between 2012 and 2035.
It is unclear whether this will mean that driving endorsements will be carried over from one country to the next.
It is unclear whether this will mean that driving endorsements will be carried over from one country to the next.
i thought we already had that (sans microchip)?
i know it's mandatory for all new applications, but not for those with the old skool license. i usually respect the BBC, but that article is misleading.
i know it's mandatory for all new applications, but not for those with the old skool license. i usually respect the BBC, but that article is misleading.
Some countries have something similar, but it's not standardised (it's called a "model") and it's not compulsory. The new rules will make it both...
I need an International Drivers Licence. I've read all the discussion above about what it's for. I still need one.
Someone mentioned you can get them at ADAC. Does that mean I just wander in with my UK licence and ask nicely? Or do I need more docs? Have had a look at the ADAC site and not much use.
All help gratefully received
Someone mentioned you can get them at ADAC. Does that mean I just wander in with my UK licence and ask nicely? Or do I need more docs? Have had a look at the ADAC site and not much use.
All help gratefully received
Getting them at ADAC would be far too easy. Unless they've changed the rules in the last two years (and even if they have changed them they're hardly likely to have relaxed them) you have to go to the KFZ-Zulassungs place in Eichstätter Strasse (given that you live in Munich City - I can't find a link now although I'm sure I posted one some while back), present your national driving licence, fill out a few forms, pay them a few euros, wait a few hours, and hey presto.
take a photo with!
strange. I would have thought ADAC do it.
When I got one back in Ireland for a trip to the USA I just went into the AA shop and got one.
When I got one back in Ireland for a trip to the USA I just went into the AA shop and got one.
Thanks guys - can't wait for another trip to the KVR.
SiM - in the UK it's the same - you can do it in an AA shop. Bloody bureaucracy
SiM - in the UK it's the same - you can do it in an AA shop. Bloody bureaucracy
Since 2002 you must have a national (EU) driving license in check-card (photo) format to get an international driving license. It costs €15 in Munich, is valid for 3 years and you need to present your current driving license, passport or ID, registration of residence (not less than 2 years old, otherwise a re-confirmation that you are still living there), and passport-size photo (35x45mm). Applications are made at the driving license office of your area of residence (KVR in Munich - Eichstätter Str. 2, 80686 München, open 07:00-12:00 Mon-Fri and 14:30-16:30 on Tuesdays only). You don't need to do it in person - someone else carrying the above documents, his/her own ID and power of attorney ("Vollmacht") can do it for you. If you have the correct current license the international permit is issued on the spot. If not, then you can apply for a conversion (costs an additional €35 assuming an EU conversion) at the same time, but this takes 7-10 days to process.
I'm afraid I've gotta open up this thread again coz I'm a little confused
Ok. I've been in DE since last August and so it's 11 months that I've been here already. But in between I have been to other parts of the EU. I'm on a 13 month working visa or whatever they call it here.
Based on: http://www.muenchen.de/Tourismus/Transport...1avalidity.html
So does the fact that I've been to Portugal, Italy and France count as being out of the country? And so I don't need to renew it?
Second question. My visa ends in September so assuming that I have not converted my license and I go back to my country and subsequently return here for 3 month blocks. Will they have on record that I'm still driving on an illegal license?
Ok. I've been in DE since last August and so it's 11 months that I've been here already. But in between I have been to other parts of the EU. I'm on a 13 month working visa or whatever they call it here.
Based on: http://www.muenchen.de/Tourismus/Transport...1avalidity.html
QUOTE
Living in Germany
After staying in Germany for 185 days, you will be considered as an ordinary resident. If you travel abroad within this span of time, counting the days will start again from the day of your return. After these 185 days, your driving licence will no longer be considered a traveller's driving licence. You might have to obtain a German licence or a translation of your licence, depending on where it has been issued. In any case, you should apply for whatever you need at least 3 months in advance. Driving licences issued in European Union (EU) member-countries as well as Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland need not be exchanged for a German licence, as long as their period of validity has not expired. Otherwise, you have to convert your driving licence to a German one. Some U.S. states have reciprocal agreements with Germany so that licences can be converted without further testing; licences issued in some other U.S. states can be converted after only taking the written test; click below for more detailed information. If neither applies to you, you will have to take both the written and the practical test. Contact the local Traffic Office (Straßenverkehrsamt) for more information and get in touch with local driving schools, but make sure you point out that you don't need the full driving course, which is very costly, but only need to convert your licence to a German one.
After staying in Germany for 185 days, you will be considered as an ordinary resident. If you travel abroad within this span of time, counting the days will start again from the day of your return. After these 185 days, your driving licence will no longer be considered a traveller's driving licence. You might have to obtain a German licence or a translation of your licence, depending on where it has been issued. In any case, you should apply for whatever you need at least 3 months in advance. Driving licences issued in European Union (EU) member-countries as well as Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland need not be exchanged for a German licence, as long as their period of validity has not expired. Otherwise, you have to convert your driving licence to a German one. Some U.S. states have reciprocal agreements with Germany so that licences can be converted without further testing; licences issued in some other U.S. states can be converted after only taking the written test; click below for more detailed information. If neither applies to you, you will have to take both the written and the practical test. Contact the local Traffic Office (Straßenverkehrsamt) for more information and get in touch with local driving schools, but make sure you point out that you don't need the full driving course, which is very costly, but only need to convert your licence to a German one.
So does the fact that I've been to Portugal, Italy and France count as being out of the country? And so I don't need to renew it?
Second question. My visa ends in September so assuming that I have not converted my license and I go back to my country and subsequently return here for 3 month blocks. Will they have on record that I'm still driving on an illegal license?
They don't mean "start counting again from the start", they just mean "start counting again". If you've been in Germany less than 185 days in total, then your license is valid.
I don't know about the second question, but if you properly unregister, maybe it would be possible again, especially if the next time you come in, you don't register at all because it's just a tourist trip.
I don't know about the second question, but if you properly unregister, maybe it would be possible again, especially if the next time you come in, you don't register at all because it's just a tourist trip.
Yeah well, I went vacationing to Portugal for 5 days before my 6 months was up and then Paris for 4 days. But since we're in EU, they didnt' stamp my passport or anything like that so does that mean they start counting again from when I came back from Paris?
As I understand it, that is correct. So if you have been back from your holiday now for 5 days, your license is invalid.
QUOTE (YorkshireLad6 @ Sep 3 2006, 10:48 pm)
Applications are made at the driving license office of your area of residence (KVR in Munich - Eichstätter Str. 2, 80686 München, open 07:00-12:00 Mon-Fri and 14:30-16:30 on Tuesdays only). If you have the correct current license the international permit is issued on the spot. If not, then you can apply for a conversion (costs an additional €35 assuming an EU conversion) at the same time, but this takes 7-10 days to process.
OK, so I just set up a trip to Dubai, UAE. Problem is, I don't have time to get an International Drivers' License per above. Since I leave this Sunday already! Anyone know of any options? Or been to Dubai with a German or US license (I have both), and no International translation?
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