International Driver's License: Austria's Requirements And Rules

If you're planning to drive in Austria, it's important to know the requirements for a valid driver's license. For visitors from outside the EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Austria. The IDP serves as an official translation of your national driver's license, allowing you to drive in foreign countries. This permit can be obtained from your home country's national IDP provider, such as the AAA in the US or the CAA in Canada. It is valid for one year and must be carried along with your national driver's license at all times when driving in Austria. If you're a resident of Austria, you have six months to exchange your foreign driver's license for an Austrian one.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your national driving license, allowing you to drive in foreign countries. The IDP is not a replacement for your original license, but a supplementary document that must be carried alongside it at all times. The IDP contains all the data found on a standard driving license, but in various languages. This makes it easier for authorities in non-English-speaking countries to read and record important data.

In Austria, an IDP is required for driving with a non-EU/EEA license. It can be obtained from ÖAMTC or Austria ARBÖ, and is valid for one year. When driving in Austria, it is important to always carry both your IDP and your national driving license. If you are a resident of Austria, your non-EU/EEA license in connection with an IDP can only be used for six months. After this period, you must exchange your non-EU/EEA license for an Austrian one.

The process of obtaining an IDP is straightforward. In the United States, you can apply for an IDP through the AAA club. The requirements typically include having a valid national driving license, two passport-size photos, and paying a small fee. The IDP can usually be obtained quickly, often within 20 minutes.

Driving licence translation

If you are planning to drive in Austria, it is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the type of driver's license you hold. Here is some information about driving licence translations and whether you need an international driver's license in Austria:

Firstly, if you are a citizen of a country that is a part of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), your national driving license should be valid in Austria without the need for an international driver's license or a translation. However, it is always a good idea to carry your license with you when driving.

Now, if you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country, such as the United States or Canada, different requirements apply. In these cases, you will need either an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation of your driver's license to drive in Austria. Let's go through these options in more detail:

• International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP is a document that translates your national driving license into multiple languages and allows you to drive in foreign countries. It is important to note that an IDP is not a replacement for your driver's license but rather a supplementary document. When driving in Austria, you must carry both your IDP and your original driver's license at all times. You can obtain an IDP from your local motorist association, such as AAA in the US or CAA in Canada, before your trip. The IDP is generally valid for one year from the date of issue.
• Official Translation: Instead of an IDP, you can also get an official translation of your driver's license. In Austria, you can obtain this translation from Austrian automobile clubs like ÖAMTC or ARBÖ for a fee. This option may be suitable if you prefer to have a single document in the local language. However, it is important to note that some sources indicate that an IDP is required for non-EU/EEA citizens. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the latest information from official sources before your trip.

Regardless of whether you choose an IDP or an official translation, these arrangements are typically acceptable for a limited time in Austria. If you are residing in Austria or planning to stay for an extended period (more than six months), you will need to exchange your foreign driver's license for an Austrian driver's license. This process involves additional requirements and fees, and you will need to contact the appropriate authorities, such as the State Police Department or the District Authority.

In conclusion, when planning to drive in Austria, it is important to carry the necessary documentation, including your driver's license, IDP, or official translation. By following these requirements, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience during your time in the country.

Driving in Austria as a tourist

If you plan on driving in Austria as a tourist, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, let's address the question of whether you need an international driver's license. The answer is yes. In Austria, an international driver's license, or more accurately, an International Driving Permit (IDP), is required if you have a non-EU/EEA driving license. This includes U.S. citizens and Canadians.

The IDP serves as an official translation of your national driving license and allows you to drive in Austria and other foreign countries. It can be obtained from your home country's national IDP provider, such as the AAA club in the U.S. or the CAA in Canada. Remember to carry both your IDP and your national driver's license with you at all times when driving in Austria.

Now, let's go over some important information about driving in Austria:

• Age requirement: You must be over 18 years old to drive in Austria.
• Road conditions: During the summer, Austrian roads and highways are generally in excellent condition. However, from November 1st to April 15th, be prepared for snow, especially on mountain roads at higher altitudes. Winter tires or snow chains may be required during these winter months.
• Speed limits: The speed limits in Austria are 100 km/h on freeways (Bundesstraße) and 130 km/h on highways (Autobahn). In residential and urban areas, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h unless indicated otherwise.
• Toll roads: Austria has a toll sticker system called the "Vignette," which is mandatory for all vehicles using the country's highways. You can purchase the Vignette from automobile clubs like ÖAMTC or ARBÖ, post offices, tobacco shops, select gas stations, or online. Failure to display a valid toll sticker can result in hefty fines.
• Alcohol and driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited in Austria. The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille, and penalties for driving under the influence include fines ranging from €300 to €5,900 and suspension of your driver's license.
• Traffic accidents: Any traffic accidents involving personal injury must be reported immediately to the police. For accidents causing only material damage, you only need to report them if the identity of the other party cannot be established.

Driving in Austria for more than six months

If you are a resident of Austria and want to drive, you must exchange your non-EU/EEA driver's license for an Austrian one within six months of taking up residence in the country. This applies even if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP).

To exchange your license, you will need to submit the following documents to the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or, in municipalities, the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat):

• Application form
• Passport, original and two copies
• Foreign driver’s license, original and two copies
• International driving permit or a German translation of the driver’s license
• One passport-sized photo (35 mm x 45 mm)
• Medical certificate (details available on the official Austrian website)
• Confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), original and one copy

There is a fee of 60.50 Euros for the license exchange. In some cases, additional documents may be requested.

Once you have exchanged your license, you can take advantage of Austria's excellent summer driving conditions. All the main roads are paved and well-maintained. However, keep in mind that winter driving in Austria can be challenging. From November 1 to April 15, snow is common on all roads, especially at higher altitudes. Winter tires or snow chains are mandatory in these conditions.

Austria also has strict rules about alcohol and driving. The maximum blood-alcohol level is 0.05, and penalties for driving under the influence range from a €300 fine to a €5,900 fine and suspension of your driver's license.

Driving licence exchange

If you are a resident of Austria and have a non-EU/EEA driving licence, you must exchange your foreign driving licence for an Austrian one within six months of taking up residence in the country. You must be over 18 to be able to obtain an Austrian driving licence.

To exchange your foreign driving licence, you must submit an application form, which can be obtained from the driving licence authority or downloaded. You will also need to provide the following documents:

• Passport, original and two copies
• Foreign driving licence, original and two copies
• International driving permit or a German translation of the driving licence
• One passport-sized photo (35 mm x 45 mm)
• Medical certificate
• Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), original and one copy

In some cases, additional documents may be requested. There is a fee of 60.50 Euros for the exchange, which does not include driving test and medical certificate fees.

If you have an EU/EEA driving licence, it will be recognised in Austria and you do not need to exchange it. However, you may choose to do so voluntarily. When converting an EU/EEA driving licence, the driving licence authority will submit a request to the issuing country to verify that there is no reason why an Austrian licence should not be issued. This process can take several weeks.

For both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA driving licences, it is recommended to make an appointment online before going to the authorities. In cities with a State Police Department, this will be the authority to go to, whereas in cities without a State Police Department or in municipalities, you will need to go to the District Authority.

Frequently asked questions