Country guide — International Driving Permit
Palestinian International Driving Permit in Germany
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Short answer
Germany is on our guidance list and, like Palestine, is a party to the Vienna road-traffic convention (since 1978). German law requires a foreign licence not issued in German to be accompanied by a translation — the IDP does that job. If you take up residence in Germany, your licence remains valid for only six months.
The legal basis: international road-traffic conventions
Germany has been a party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic since 1978 (it is not a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention); Palestine has been a party to the Vienna Convention since 2019.
Translation or IDP
Under § 29 of the German Driving Licence Regulation (FeV), a foreign driver carries their national licence or an International Driving Permit, and a national licence from outside the EU that is not in German must be accompanied by a translation. The Palestinian IDP together with your Palestinian licence is the simplest way to cover this.
If you move to Germany: the six-month rule
Once you register ordinary residence in Germany, your right to drive on a foreign licence lasts six months; the authority can extend it by up to six more months if you show you won’t stay longer than 12 months. After that you need a German licence from your local licensing office (Führerscheinstelle).
Renting a car in Germany
Car-rental companies may ask for the IDP together with your Palestinian licence, passport and a credit card — terms differ by company. Ask the company about its conditions and insurance cover before you book.
How long can you drive in Germany as a visitor?
For residents: six months from taking up ordinary residence in Germany, extendable by up to six more months in specific cases (FeV § 29). For short visits: carry your Palestinian licence with the IDP throughout.
Get your IDP in Palestine
The IDP is issued by the Palestinian Motor Sports and Motorcycles Federation, and Tasheel is its accredited agent. It costs 150 ILS, is ready in about one working day once your documents are complete, and is valid for one year from issue. Full details in our step-by-step IDP guide.
- Clear copy of your passport bio page (valid)
- Valid Palestinian driving licence — front (back recommended)
- Recent personal photo on a white background
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a translation of my Palestinian licence in Germany?
Under German law a non-EU licence that isn’t in German needs a translation; the IDP carried with your Palestinian licence covers that.
How long can I drive in Germany after moving there?
Six months from taking up ordinary residence, possibly extended by up to six more months if you won’t stay over a year. After that you need a German licence.
Is the Palestinian IDP accepted elsewhere in Europe?
Our guidance list includes several European countries such as France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Austria. Rules differ by country, so check the rules of each country you’ll drive in.
Is the IDP enough on its own to drive in Germany?
No. The IDP is always carried with your valid Palestinian driving licence; it is never used on its own.
Request your IDP now
150 ILS · ready in about one working day · valid one year. A real team answers on WhatsApp.
Sources
- German Driving Licence Regulation (FeV), § 29
- UN Treaty Collection — Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva 1949 (status)
- UN Treaty Collection — Convention on Road Traffic, Vienna 1968 (status)
This is guidance; rules can change at any time. Always check your destination’s rules before you travel.