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Apply for an international driver's license Mobilität und Fahrzeuge

In countries that are not part of the EU, an international driver's license is required for temporary stays.

  • Basic information

    The International Driving Permit (IFS) is required by travelers in countries outside the European Union - with the exception of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

    The IFS is an additional document in conjunction with the national driving license and serves as a translation. It serves as a facilitation for the control authorities and rental car companies and is not an independent proof of driving authorization.

    There are two different models of documents:

    • Model 1:
      • International driver's license according to the Vienna Convention of 1968: This model is valid for 3 years and is recognized in the vast majority of countries.
      • Applications can be made at BSC-Mitte, BSC-Nord and at the driving license office in Stresemannstraße.
    • Model 2:
      • International driving license according to the Vienna Convention of 1926: This model is valid for 1 year.
      • This was most recently required in Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, India and Syria.
      • This can only be applied for at the driving license office at Stresemannstraße 48, 28207 Bremen.

    Due to constant legal changes within the countries, it is advisable for those affected to ask the country to be visited which model is required there.

    It is also possible to obtain both models at the same time. This combination can then only be carried out at the driving license office in Stresemannstraße.

    Requirements

    • Possession of a valid EU driving license or
    • Possession of a valid foreign permit to drive motor vehicles in accordance with § 29 of the Driving Permit Ordinance (FeV).
    • Residence
      - in Bremen or
      - in a state that has not ratified the Convention on Road Traffic of 08.11.1968.

    Important: This is a service under municipal jurisdiction. Therefore, you can only visit a service that is located in your place of residence.

  • Procedure

    Insofar as an EU card driver's license must first be issued for the issuance of the International Driver's License, at least 2-3 working days are required for this - even in a rush procedure.

    If the driver's license was issued outside of Bremen before 1999, a record card copy of the driver's license office that issued the current driver's license is required.

    More information

    When traveling to some Eastern European countries, an international driver's license must still be carried.

    For trips to non-European countries, it is generally recommended, and often even mandatory (such as in many states of the USA, Canada or Australia), to carry it with you.

    It is recommended to inquire about the regulations of the respective state.

    If the applicant still has the old gray or pink driver's license, the old driver's license must be exchanged for a (new) EU driver's license in credit card format when the international driver's license is issued.

    International driving licenses issued in Germany for German drivers are not valid in the Federal Republic of Germany.

    Current information on which country requires an international driver's license can also be obtained from the automobile clubs.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Identity card or passport
    • Driving licence
    • Passport photo
      • According to the specifications on the photo sample board.
    • In addition, an index card copy from the driving licence office that issued the current driving licence, if the driving licence was issued outside Bremen before 1999
    • Important information about the photo booths in all offices of the Citizen's Office:
      • The machines are operated by outside companies and often do not work. It cannot be guaranteed that passport photos can be taken on site. We advise you to bring passport photos to the appointment.

  • Competent Department

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    16,30 EUR

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    3 years The international driving licence is limited to the validity of the national driving licence, but for a maximum of 3 years. An extension is not possible.

    How long does it take to process

    Immediately

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 05.06.2025

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