Use of a German Driving Licence in Malaysia

German nationals are permitted to drive private vehicles and motorcycles temporarily in Malaysia using a valid German driving licence together with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Important Notes:

• The IDP must be obtained in Germany before departure. It cannot be issued by German foreign missions abroad.
• Both documents – the German driving licence and the IDP – must always be carried, especially during police checks or accidents.
• Although some Malaysian car rental companies may not always require it, the presentation of the IDP is legally mandatory.

Minimum Age for Vehicle Rental

The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Malaysia is generally 23 years.

Conversion of a German Driving Licence to a Malaysian Licence

For longer stays or residence in Malaysia, your German driving licence can be converted to a Malaysian driving licence by the Malaysian Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ).

Important Information on Conversion:

• Binding information on licence conversion is provided exclusively by Malaysian authorities.
• According to the Embassy’s knowledge, conversion is only possible for holders of certain Malaysian residence permits. These regulations frequently change.
• The Embassy can issue a certificate confirming your valid German driving licence, which is required for conversion.

Requirements for Issuance of the Certificate by the Embassy:

• Personal appearance after prior appointment booking
• Appointment must be booked exclusively under “Other Consular Services” via the Embassy’s website
• Presentation of the original driving licence or a current extract from the German driving licence register (which must be requested from the competent licensing authority in Germany)
• Payment of consular fees according to the applicable fee schedule

Relevant JPJ Offices in the Kuala Lumpur / Selangor Area:

• JPJ Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (Setapak)
• JPJ Bandar Sri Permaisuri (Cheras)
• JPJ Negeri Selangor (Shah Alam)

Loss of German Driving Licence Abroad

German foreign missions are not authorized to issue replacement driving licences or International Driving Permits. Only the competent licensing authorities in Germany can assist in such cases.

Depending on Your Registration Status in Germany:

• If you are still registered in Germany, please contact the licensing authority responsible for your place of residence.
• If you are no longer registered in Germany and reside in a third country outside the EU/EWR, you may contact any German licensing authority according to Section 73 Paragraph 3 of the German Driving Licence Ordinance.
Quote: “If the person concerned has no place of residence or habitual abode in Germany, any local administrative authority (licensing authority) is responsible for matters relating to the right to drive motor vehicles.”

Practical Recommendation:

Contact preferably the licensing authority that originally issued your driving licence or the authority that was last responsible for you.

Certification of Signatures by the Embassy

Once you have received the required application documents from the competent licensing authority, the Embassy can certify your signature.

Please book an appointment exclusively under “Certification of Signatures” via the Embassy’s website for this service.