International driver's license

[Guest NSFW]

Going on leave to Europe for a month and I'm curious about how to acquire an international driver's license. The German rental car lady at Ramstein was totally fcking cludo...why wouldn't she be? Lil' help?

[Slander]

40,100,000 results on a .33 sec google search for "how do I get an international driving licence"

Here's AAA's way

[M2]

You really don't need an international driving permit (it's not a license, and there is a difference which I will get to in a second), but it is nice to have if you get pulled over and the police officer doesn't speak/read English. For one, your stateside license allows you to drive anywhere; and as I said, it technically isn't a driver's license but a translation of your drivers license in other languages. You will still need to carry your stateside license with you.

The US Department of State authorizes the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) as the only entities in the US to issue IDPs. The AATA offers IDPs through the National Automobile Club (NAC). Other so-called IDPs are fraudulent and should be reported to proper authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Also be sure your insurance covers you in Europe. It probably does, but a quick call to confirm that is a good idea.

And study up on the laws in the countries you are going to be driving in. Some are different that what you are used to...

Since you are going to be in Europe, it would be a good idea to read the USAREUR Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany.

Also, expect some asspain getting on bases, as your CAC has to be registered to get on base. Sometimes it doesn't cause a problem if it isn't; but sometimes it does.

Have fun, but watch out on the autobahns! Check your mirrors twice before changing lanes, as those headlights coming up in the lefthand lane may be a Porsche at 250+ kph!

Cheers! M2

[Toro]

You really don't need an international driving permit (it's not a license, and there is a difference which I will get to in a second), but it is nice to have if you get pulled over and the police officer doesn't speak/read English.

I don't know if there's a difference between being on leave and being stationed there, but everybody I've spoken to and everything I've seen about Germany says that if you drive outside of Germany, you must have an IDP. Regardless, as M2 mentioned, do NOT get them through anybody other AAA and AATA. About 99.69% of those "40,100,000 Google hits" are actually frauds - totally worthless and no certification.

[M2]

Nope, the only problem he might run into is if he tries to go on a base somewhere. Otherwise, it is no different than someone shipping their car over there and driving around. Your US plates and licenses are good thanks to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, Article 41. I think the reason most people get one that are stationed there is because the USAREUR license you get is in English and German.

That said, it is probably a good idea to spend the money to have one. I don't, and drive in Europe all the time; but if you aren't used to it or speak the local lingo that it would be helpful if you're pulled over for any reason (and sometimes they do it just to check your registration, license and insurance). it may mean being detained until they can verify your credentials, which could take some time; but I was pulled over on a motorcycle just south of Brussels with expired Florida tags on it and gave the Gendarme my still valid Florida license. He actually only pulled me over because he was curious about the tag, but once he saw my Florida DL the topic changed over to motorcycles.

You may also want to read this State Department web site on driving overseas. Just to note that I notice the State Department says that "many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses;" but I have not found this to be the case in Europe. However, it goes to state that IDP are "not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license." So, if these countries don't recognize your US license, why would they when it is accompanied by an IDP, which is only a translation of your license?

Anyhow, bottom line is to get an IDP. The State Department web site has more info on how to obtain one...

Cheers! M2

[JarheadBoom]

Took 15 minutes for my wife and I to get ours at a local AAA "store".

[Toro]

Took 15 minutes for my wife and I to get ours at a local AAA "store".

And they're only 15 bucks from AAA. You can get them in Germany, but they're 20-30 Euros (30-45 bucks).

[stract]

2 years ago when I went to Germany on leave with my aunt, we rented a car at their version of Enterprise in Heidelberg. All we had to do was show our stateside DLs (And mine was even expired by 15 days but still good with the mil ID, heh). Didn't have any issues. We drove to France and back (Strasbourg, to catch the Prologue of the Tour de France).

Like M2 said, the big asspain was trying to get my Aunt on base. First the German gate guards didn't want to let me on since my CAC wasn't in their system, and then they didn't want to give me escort privileges. Finally got documentation from the Provost Marshall that I was allowed, by virtue of being AD mil, to escort up to 4 individuals on base, and then it wasn't a problem. It's funny b/c we were there for HER brat reunion (grandfather was stationed at Heidelberg), and she was on an EAL at the HQ, but not the housing areas or the PX.

[Herk Driver]

And they're only 15 bucks from AAA. You can get them in Germany, but they're 20-30 Euros (30-45 bucks).

A little old...but, the one from AAA is valid for 1 year (or at least used to be). The one bought in Germany is valid for 3 years.

As a side note, several people during the World Cup 2 years ago were getting tickets in Austria without an IDP.

[M2]

As a side note, several people during the World Cup 2 years ago were getting tickets in Austria without an IDP.

Yep, they aren't necessarily required to have; but they can help you avoid a lot of asspain if the cops want to hassle you. If they can't intrepret your US driver's license, they can detain you until they find someone who can. It is just easier to spend the $15 at AAA and have one just in case. Plus, they make for a cool momento. However, you are also required to have two passport pictures to get one, so get the gouge here and take an hour to knock it out. Chances are you won't need it, but much like a parachute, if you do you'll be glad you have it!

Cheers! M2

[Toro]

However, you are also required to have two passport pictures to get one

If you want to save the 6-9 bucks for your passport photos, you should be able to get multimedia to take your photos. They will take them for your official and your family's mlitary passports, just ask them for an extra form (or extra photos) for your IDP. The passport office at MPF is the only place i know that will 'officially' fill out the multimedia request (some AF Form, I can't remember the number), so unless you're already there for something else (passport photos, for instance), it may be more trouble than it's worth.

[M2]

You can also use digital pictures, as long as they comply with State Department guidelines...

Cheers! M2

[Guest NSFW]

So to clarify...I CAN obtain an IDP in Europe?

What does 2 passport pictures mean exactly? Make a color copy of my current passport and call it good?

Thanks for all the help dudes, I am a retard.

[Toro]

So to clarify...I CAN obtain an IDP in Europe?

Yes, as long as you have a valid stateside license.

What does 2 passport pictures mean exactly? Make a color copy of my current passport and call it good?

No, they're going to use the pictures for your ID, so it needs to be a good quality (paper or digital). They need to be a specific size and quality, which you can probably find in the link M2 provided. You can get them at WalGreens, Mail Boxes etc., and tons of other places.

[M2]

But, as Toro and HD noted, you can get a one-year IDP from AAA for $15; or a three-year IDP from ADAC (German Auto Club) or elsewhere in Europe for €20-30 ($30-45). Why waste time and effort over there trying to get one, when you can get 'er done quicker and cheaper before you go?

Cheers! M2

[DeHavilland]

As was already said, even when you have the license, you better be careful driving in Europe if you have never done it before. The signs are different and at least in Germany, most of the locals follow the rules. Watch out in the left lane as that is where the speed demons are. Never ever pass on the right and turn signals are not optional.