Destinations / Estonia
Driving in Estonia as a visitor
Usually yes. Estonia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Estonia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h (110 on some roads in summer) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on day and night, all year. |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory Dec–Mar. |
| Alcohol | 0.02% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
On the road in Estonia
At the pump
Unleaded petrol (95/98) and diesel are sold at self-service stations, usually paid by card; rentals are full-to-full, and returning under-full incurs a steep refuelling surcharge above pump price.
After a crash
Stop immediately and call 112 for police/ambulance; a police report is needed for injuries or significant damage, and you should complete the European Accident Statement form for the insurer.
Sources: rac.co.uk · sixt.com · drivingineu.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Estonia?
Usually yes. Estonia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Estonia accept?
Estonia recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Estonia ask for one?
Tallinn desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.