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World Driving Permit

🇱🇻 Do you need an IDP to drive in Latvia?

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 Latvia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Latvia 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 Latvia: the rule explained

Latvia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and recognises foreign driving licences that comply with it. A non-EU visitor may drive in Latvia for up to 1 year from arrival on a valid home licence, but an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended — especially if the licence is not in Latin script — to satisfy police and rental desks.

Exemption: Licences issued by an EU member state, an EFTA/EEA state, or the United Kingdom are fully valid in Latvia until the licence's own expiry date.

Renting a car in Latvia

Many Latvian rental agencies, particularly at Riga airport and major cities, ask for an IDP alongside your national licence, especially for non-Latin-script or non-EU licences.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same rules apply to motorcycles: carry your home licence with the correct category plus an IDP or certified translation if your licence is not in Latin script.

What to carry when driving in Latvia

  • 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
  • IDP (1968 Vienna model) or certified translation if your home licence is not in Latin script
  • Valid only for up to 1 year from arrival on a non-EU licence
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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.

Latvia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Latvia?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Latvia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Latvia 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. Latvia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and recognises foreign driving licences that comply with it. A non-EU visitor may drive in Latvia for up to 1 year from arrival on a valid home licence, but an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended — especially if the licence is not in Latin script — to satisfy police and rental desks.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Latvia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Latvia read your licence, but where Latvia 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 Latvia?
Many Latvian rental agencies, particularly at Riga airport and major cities, ask for an IDP alongside your national licence, especially for non-Latin-script or non-EU licences.
Which IDP convention does Latvia use?
Latvia 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 Latvia?
Because Latvia 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 Latvia from your country

Requirements for other countries