Does National require an IDP in Germany?
National in Germany: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Visitors from outside the EU should carry an IDP with their licence to drive or rent in Germany.
In Germany specifically, germany legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter. Required for non-Roman-alphabet and non-EU licences at all major chains.
National runs a global network; at its Germany desks, foreign renters are asked for the Both-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Germany drives on the right, uses the EUR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the National counter in Germany
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the Both format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; Germany drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Germany National renters should know
- 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.