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World Driving Permit

🇪🇪 Do you need an IDP to drive in Estonia?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Estonia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Estonia follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Estonia: the rule explained

Estonia is a party to both the 1968 Vienna and 1949 Geneva conventions, so a valid foreign licence lets a tourist drive for the whole period of their legal stay. The Estonian Transport Administration requires that a non-EU licence have its entries in Latin script; if not, an official Estonian translation or an International Driving Permit must accompany it.

Exemption: Estonia is an EU member, so licences issued in any EU/EEA country (and Switzerland) are fully valid with no IDP, translation, or exchange required.

Renting a car in Estonia

Even where the government does not strictly require it, many Estonian rental desks ask non-EU visitors to present an IDP together with the home licence and a passport.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same licence and IDP rules apply to motorcycles; ensure your licence (and IDP) shows the relevant category (A/A1/A2).

What to carry when driving in Estonia

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • Licence entries must be in Latin script, otherwise carry an official Estonian translation or a 1968 IDP
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Estonia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Estonia?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Estonia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Estonia follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Estonia is a party to both the 1968 Vienna and 1949 Geneva conventions, so a valid foreign licence lets a tourist drive for the whole period of their legal stay. The Estonian Transport Administration requires that a non-EU licence have its entries in Latin script; if not, an official Estonian translation or an International Driving Permit must accompany it.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Estonia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Estonia read your licence, but where Estonia requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Estonia?
Even where the government does not strictly require it, many Estonian rental desks ask non-EU visitors to present an IDP together with the home licence and a passport.
Which IDP convention does Estonia use?
Estonia recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Estonia?
Because Estonia follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Estonia from your country

Requirements for other countries