Destinations / Latvia
Driving in Latvia as a visitor
Usually yes. Latvia 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 Latvia 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 at all times. |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory Dec–Feb. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for new drivers. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
On the road in Latvia
At the pump
Stations sell unleaded petrol 95 and 98 plus diesel (dīzelis); most are self-service, pay-at-pump or pay-at-kiosk, cards widely accepted, with petrol roughly EUR 1.55-1.70 per litre. Major chains are Circle K, Neste and Viada.
After a crash
Call 112 for injuries; for damage-only collisions where parties agree you can complete the European Accident Statement without police, but you must notify the rental company and obtain a report, and you must not move vehicles before documenting if there is injury or dispute.
Sources: rac.co.uk · csdd.lv · tolls.eu · theaa.ie
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Latvia?
Usually yes. Latvia 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 Latvia accept?
Latvia recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Latvia ask for one?
Riga 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.