Idp Requirements: Driving In Austria

If you're planning a trip to Austria and want to drive while you're there, you'll need to know about the country's rules for international drivers. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic driving licence, allowing you to drive in foreign countries. While it's not a standalone document and must be carried alongside your licence, it's a good idea to get one if you plan to drive in Austria. Here's everything you need to know about whether you'll need an IDP in Austria.

Who needs an IDP in Austria?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic driving license, allowing motorists to drive vehicles in foreign countries. It is not a standalone document and does not replace your driving license. Instead, it works in conjunction with your domestic driving license, which you must also carry with you at all times.

In Austria, the general rule is that if you are a resident with a non-EU/EEA driver's license, you can drive on Austrian roads for up to six months with your valid foreign license. After that, you will need to exchange it for an Austrian driver's license.

However, during those six months, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your valid foreign license. This is a requirement for residents and visitors alike. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.

If your license is from an EU/EEA country, you are exempt from needing an IDP and can drive in Austria for up to five years with your domestic license.

If your license is in a non-Latin script, such as Russian, you will need an IDP. Even if your license is in English, slight discrepancies in forms or driver subcategories can be resolved with an IDP.

To obtain an IDP, you will need to apply through your country's designated authority, such as a motorist association or national automobile association.

How to get an IDP

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic driving license into several of the most common languages. It is a neat white booklet slightly bigger than your passport. It is issued and certified by your country's designated authority but does not replace your license. The two documents must be carried together.

The IDP was introduced by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Both types are accepted in Austria.

If you are a resident of Austria, you can obtain an IDP from ÖAMTC or Austria ARBÖ. If you are a resident of the US, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only private entity authorized by the US Department of State to issue an IDP. You can apply for an IDP online, in person, or by mail. To apply, you will need:

• A completed application form
• A digital passport photo (if applying online) or two original passport photos (if applying in person or by mail)
• A valid driver's license (a digital copy of both sides if applying online)
• A permit fee (typically $20)
• A passport photo fee (if applying online; typically $10)
• Shipping fees

If you are a resident of the UK, you can apply for your IDP from any post office. In other countries, such as India or Russia, you will need to contact your national automobile association or traffic authority.

How long is an IDP valid for?

International Driving Permits (IDPs) are valid for one year. They are a translation of your domestic license into several of the most common languages and are arranged into a neat booklet. An IDP is not a standalone document and does not replace your domestic license—you will need to carry both.

If you are a visitor or working in Austria for a short period, you can drive on Austrian roads with a valid license from your country of residence for up to six months. If you are a resident in Austria, you can use your non-EU/EEA driver's license for six months after your arrival, after which you will need to obtain an Austrian driver's license.

If you have a foreign driving license, you can use it for up to six months in Austria. After that, you will need to exchange it for an Austrian driving license. If your license is from an EU or EEA country, you can drive in Austria with it for up to five years.

What is an IDP?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic driving license. The IDP allows motorists to drive vehicles in foreign countries. The IDP is a booklet that contains all the data found on a normal driving license in various languages. It is issued and certified by your country's designated authority. The IDP is not a standalone document and is only valid when accompanied by a valid driving license.

The purpose of an IDP is to turn your locally issued driver's license into a permit that can be read and accepted in many countries around the world. The idea behind the IDP was introduced by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. While not all countries have signed the newer version, both types are accepted in Austria.

In Austria, an IDP is required for drivers from some countries, in addition to their valid license. For example, drivers from the USA need an IDP, as well as their original license, whereas drivers from the UK do not need an IDP if they have a photocard driving license issued in the UK.

The process for obtaining an IDP varies by country. In some countries, such as Russia, individuals must apply online and then visit a branch of the country's traffic authority, while in others, like the UK, individuals can apply for an IDP at any post office. In the case of India and the USA, individuals must contact their national automobile association.

What to do if you're a resident in Austria

If you're a resident of Austria, you'll need to obtain an Austrian driver's license if you want to keep driving after six months of living there. This is because your non-EU/EEA driver's license is only valid for six months after your arrival.

To obtain an Austrian driver's license, you must first get an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a translation of your domestic license and allows you to drive in most countries worldwide. It is not a standalone document and must be carried alongside your domestic license at all times. To obtain an IDP in Austria, you can visit ÖAMTC or Austria ARBÖ.

If you are a third-country national, i.e., not an EEA citizen or Swiss national, and plan to stay in Austria for longer than six months, you will need to obtain a residence permit. For stays up to six months, a visa is required. There are different types of residence permits available, including the Red-White-Red Card, which is issued for a period of 24 months and entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment. To obtain a residence permit, you must submit an application to the Austrian Consulate in your home country before entering Austria.

Frequently asked questions