Destinations / Lithuania
Driving in Lithuania as a visitor
Usually yes. Lithuania 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 Lithuania 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 | 130 km/h motorways 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. |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory Nov–Mar. |
| Alcohol | 0.04% alcohol limit; zero for novice/professional drivers. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
On the road in Lithuania
At the pump
Petrol (95/98) and diesel are widely available at self-service stations with cards accepted, roughly EUR 1.55-1.70 per litre; EV charging and hydrogen remain scarce. Common chains are Circle K, Neste, Viada and Orlen.
After a crash
Call 112 for injuries; damage-only collisions need not involve police if both parties agree and complete the European Accident Statement, but you must notify the rental supplier and obtain an accident report, and leave vehicles in place where there is injury or dispute.
Sources: rac.co.uk · europa.eu · tyremap.com · tollguru.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Lithuania?
Usually yes. Lithuania 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 Lithuania accept?
Lithuania recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Lithuania ask for one?
Vilnius 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.