If you’re planning to drive in Lithuania, whether with your own car or a foreign driving licence, it’s important to understand the local rules and procedures. REGITRA, Lithuania’s official institution managing vehicle registration and driver licensing, provides clear guidance.
EU/EEA Licences
Driving licences issued in European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries are valid in Lithuania.
You do not need to take additional tests to use or exchange your EU/EEA licence.
If you become a permanent resident, you must exchange your foreign licence for a Lithuanian one. Permanent residency generally requires living in Lithuania for at least 185 days per year and having personal or employment ties.
Licences from Non-EU/EEA Countries
Driving licences issued outside the EU/EEA are valid only if they comply with international conventions (Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Conventions).
If your licence does not meet these requirements, you must also carry an international driving licence.
For further assistance, REGITRA specialists can be contacted via:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +370 5 210 5164
More information: Driving Licences | REGITRA
If you need driving lessons in Lithuania, there are schools offering instruction in English or Russian:
English-Language Driving Schools in Vilnius
Russian-Language Driving Schools in Vilnius
Regitra carries out driver’s licence exams. More information on obtaining a license and converting your licence to be valid in the EU can be found here.
Short-Term Visitors
Cars registered in an EU country can be driven in Lithuania for up to 180 days per calendar year.
Cars registered in a non-EU country can be driven for up to 90 days per calendar year.
No registration is required for temporary visits or tourism.
Permanent Residents
Vehicles must be registered in Lithuania if you move here permanently.
You must have a declared place of residence to register a car.
If you do not have a declared address, you can temporarily register a car for 6 months using:
Proof of car ownership or lease in Lithuania, or
Written consent from someone with a registered address allowing you to use it for registration.
All vehicles in Lithuania must be insured through a national insurance company. Prices are relatively affordable and are calculated using formulas specific to each insurance company.
Insurance companies that provide vehicle insurance services:
REGITRA manages all things related to owning and driving motor vehicles in Lithuania.
Regitra provides the following services:
Vehicle registration
Driver’s licence examinations
Issuance of driving licences
Purchasing of state licence plates
While some of the services are offered online, others (such as driver’s licence exams) are provided in person.
For individual consultations, please visit the Regitra website or schedule a meeting with Go Vilnius specialist at International House Vilnius.