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Ireland licence Germany

Driving in Germany with a Ireland license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in Germany on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. Germany expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisGermany recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskRequired for non-Roman-alphabet and non-EU licences at all major chains.

CarryCarry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968

Get my IDP for Germany Full Germany guide

Irish drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Germany

Autobahn: keep right except to overtake; some sections have no speed limit.
Winter tyres mandatory in wintry conditions.
Environmental (Umweltplakette) sticker required for low-emission city zones.
0.05% alcohol limit; zero for drivers under 21.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Germany with a Ireland license?

Yes — to drive in Germany on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. Germany expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

What IDP format does Germany accept?

Germany recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my Ireland license?

Carry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.