Apply for an International Driving License

In certain countries, you will need an international driving license in addition to your national driving license to prove your driving license.

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Detailed description

For temporary stays in certain countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), you need an international driving license to prove your driving license. The international driving license is a translation of your national driving license and is only valid in conjunction with it.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • Her main residence is in Hamburg.
  • You have a driving license in EU card format (issued from 1999).
    • Otherwise, you will also have to exchange your paper driving license for the current format.

Documents required

  • valid driving licence in EU card format
  • valid identity card, electronic residence permit (eAT) or passport with current registration certificate
  • biometric passport photo (45x35 millimeters) - not older than 1 year
  • Appointment confirmation
  • If necessary, a copy of your driving record (only required if you still have a paper driving licence and the last licence was not issued in Hamburg)

Additionally, if an authorized person submits the application:

  • written power of attorney from the applicant
  • valid identity card of the authorized person

Even when applying by proxy, the applicant's driver's license and identity card must be presented in original form.

Please note

You can authorize an adult to apply for an international driver's license on your behalf. This is only possible if you already have a driver's license with a card.

Deadlines

The international driving license is valid for up to 3 years. It will be issued to you for a maximum period of time for which your national driving license is still valid. If a class C or D driving license that is valid for less than 3 years is to be entered, the validity of your international driving license will also be reduced accordingly.

Procedure

You can submit your application in person or by mail. You can only apply for an international driving permit by mail if you hold an EU card-format driving license. If you still have a paper driving license, you must submit the application in person. If you need an international driving permit urgently, you should also apply for it in person.


Alternatively, you can also apply for an international driving permit in person at the HamburgService office. Further information and appointment booking can be found in the corresponding entry for HamburgService.



Application on site at the LBV:

  • You book an appointment online.
    • On our website for booking appointments, select the category "Driving license"
    • Book the appointment "Application for an International Driving Permit (EU card driving licence already held)" or "Application for an International Driving Permit including exchange for a temporary EU card driving licence"
    • You will receive an email. Confirm your reserved appointment via the link in the email.
  • Please bring all necessary documents and your appointment confirmation to your appointment at the LBV.
  • Scan the QR code from your appointment confirmation using the scanner on site.
  • Please take a seat in the waiting area. You will be called by your number.
  • Your request is being processed.
  • You will receive your international driving permit directly at your appointment if you already have a card-format driving licence. If you first need to exchange your licence for a card-format licence, the international driving permit will be sent to your home address by registered mail along with your new card-format licence.

Application by mail (no personal appointment necessary):

  • You send your documents and the application form (see under Links) by post to the LBV.
  • Your request will be processed on site.
  • Your international driving licence will be sent to your home by registered mail.

Processing time

The international driving license will be given to you immediately on site if you already have an EU card driving license.


If you need to exchange your paper driver's license first, you will receive the international driver's license along with your new EU card driver's license. Production takes approximately three weeks.

Fees

16.90 EUR.


For postal delivery additional charge: 3.50 EUR.


If you first have to exchange your driving license for an EU card driving license, additional costs will also apply. The fee is based on the fee schedule for measures in road traffic (GebOSt).

Legal remedies

No

Legal basis

§ 25a of the Driving License Regulation (FeV)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/fev_2010/__25a.html


§ 25 b Driving License Regulation (FeV)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/fev_2010/__25b.html

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Keywords: International driving licence Driver's license Issuance of an international driving license driving licence abroad International

Last updated: 16.02.2026