Country by country
The rule that matters on a multi-country trip is the strictest one on the route: you carry a permit for the whole journey or you do not. Here the strictest is Austria (required).
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Switzerland Recommended
US license accepted for up to 12 months. IDP recommended.
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Austria Required
A US license alone is not sufficient. Austria requires an IDP, or a German translation of your license from an Austrian automobile club. Carry both the IDP and your license.
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Germany Recommended
US license accepted for up to 6 months as a visitor; no IDP legally required for short tourist stays. An IDP is still recommended for police stops and rental desks.
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Czech Republic Required
Short-term visitors may drive on a US license only if an IDP accompanies it. Residents of more than a year must get a Czech license within 3 months.
| Destination | IDP | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Recommended | US license accepted for up to 12 months. IDP recommended. |
| Austria | Required | A US license alone is not sufficient. Austria requires an IDP, or a German translation of your license from an Austrian automobile club. Carry both the IDP and your license. |
| Germany | Recommended | US license accepted for up to 6 months as a visitor; no IDP legally required for short tourist stays. An IDP is still recommended for police stops and rental desks. |
| Czech Republic | Required | Short-term visitors may drive on a US license only if an IDP accompanies it. Residents of more than a year must get a Czech license within 3 months. |
Driving on a licence from somewhere else?
Every answer above assumes a US licence. Open this trip in the checker to switch the issuing country, add or remove destinations, and see the verdicts change.
Other trips
Informational only, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the destination's embassy or your automobile association before you drive.