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World Driving Permit

🇱🇹 Do you need an IDP to drive in Lithuania?

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

Non-EU/EEA tourists may drive in Lithuania on a valid national licence for short visits, but it must comply with the Geneva (1949) or Vienna (1968) road traffic conventions. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, you must carry an International Driving Permit alongside it. Lithuania is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention.

Exemption: Lithuania is an EU member state. Licences issued by any EU or EEA country are fully valid with no IDP, translation, or exchange required.

Renting a car in Lithuania

Car rental desks routinely ask for an IDP (or an official translation) when your national licence is not in Latin script, so carrying one avoids being refused the vehicle.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same licence and IDP rules apply to renting and riding a motorcycle, which requires the appropriate motorcycle category endorsement.

What to carry when driving in Lithuania

  • 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 must be carried together with your original national licence, not on its own
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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.

Lithuania: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Lithuania?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Lithuania, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Lithuania 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. Non-EU/EEA tourists may drive in Lithuania on a valid national licence for short visits, but it must comply with the Geneva (1949) or Vienna (1968) road traffic conventions. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, you must carry an International Driving Permit alongside it. Lithuania is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Lithuania?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Lithuania read your licence, but where Lithuania 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 Lithuania?
Car rental desks routinely ask for an IDP (or an official translation) when your national licence is not in Latin script, so carrying one avoids being refused the vehicle.
Which IDP convention does Lithuania use?
Lithuania 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 Lithuania?
Because Lithuania 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 Lithuania from your country

Requirements for other countries