License Requirements for a US Citizen to Drive in Germany

Anyone driving a motor vehicle in Germany must hold a valid driver's license, known as a Führerschein. U.S. citizens may use their existing license for a period of up to 12 months if they register their intent to do so. Those staying longer can exchange their license for a German one, in some cases without having to take a German driving test

Short-Term Visits

• U.S. citizens staying in Germany for less than six months do not need to register to drive legally in Germany, provided that they already hold a valid U.S. driver's license. Visitors who intend to stay between six and 12 months should go to a driver‘s registration office, known as a Führerscheinstelle, and notify the office that they wish to continue to drive using a U.S. license. The staff will ask to see proof of exit from the country before 12 months have passed and also ask for an official translation of the U.S. license.

States With Reciprocity Agreement

• Anyone who lives in Germany as a registered resident has six months to obtain a German driver‘s license. Thanks to a reciprocity agreement with the German government, citizens from 26 U.S. states (plus Puerto Rico) are exempted from taking either the practical or theoretical parts of the driving test. Applications for a license are made directly to the driver’s license office and can take weeks to process.

States Without Reciprocity Agreement

• Citizens from U.S. states without a reciprocity agreement will need to take a driving test in order to continue driving while they live in Germany or if they plan to visit for more than a year. The written test takes place at a driving school and is more difficult than U.S. tests. About 30 percent of people fail the test on their first attempt.

Exceptions

• The German states of Hamburg, Saarland, Hesse, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-
  Holstein have opted out of the reciprocity agreement scheme. They do not require U.S. citizens from any state to take either the practical or theoretical tests to obtain a license. To apply for an automatic conversion of their license, applicants must meet certain conditions, which vary by state. These include working for an American company or running a business and not being registered with the Central Register of Traffic Offenders.

Read More ..... »

Does a US Citizen Need More Than a Driver's License When Traveling by Air Domestically?

United States citizens traveling domestically must show a valid federal or state photo identification at the airport security checkpoint. The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, checks every ID for every passenger who passes through. In general, a driver’s license is sufficient, but in some circumstances it might not be enough.

Acceptable Identification

• An expired driver’s license is not acceptable. If your license is expired, or if you do not have a driver’s license, you may present another piece of identification from the TSA’s approved list. This includes, but is not limited to: a state-issued non-driver identification card, passport book or passport card, Trusted Traveler card, U.S. military or federal civilian ID, Native American Tribal ID, or an airline worker identification card. The presented ID must be valid and bear your photo.

Name Match

• For security purposes, the name on your driver’s license or other ID must match the name you gave when you booked your flight. The TSA website notes that boarding passes do not always include all the information that appears on your booking record, so small differences on the boarding pass are generally acceptable. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce or court order, change it on your driver’s license or other identification before your flight. If this is not possible, then present the relevant documentation at the security checkpoint.

Lost ID

• If you forget your driver’s license or lose it during your travels, you might still be allowed to fly. The TSA works with travelers to verify their identity by other means. If you do not have an acceptable ID, arrive at the airport early to allow time for questioning. You might need to answer multiple personal questions so that the TSA can check your identity against numerous databases. You might also be subjected to enhanced personal security screening.

Children

• Minors under the age of 18 do not need to present a driver’s license or other form of photo identification at the TSA checkpoint. If your child is flying on a reduced-rate ticket, carry a copy of his birth certificate to verify that he qualifies for the child rate. Older teenagers who appear to be over 18 might be questioned by TSA personnel. If your teen has a driver’s license or other form of photo identification, carrying it can prevent delays.

Read More ..... »