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

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

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Lithuania, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence.

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

Check your exact trip

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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. Carry it alongside your original national licence. 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 it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. 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.

Official sources

Regitra (national vehicle & driver licensing authority) — International Driving Permits

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

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.