Do you need an International Driving Permit in Latvia?

Latvia and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Latvia

Latvia applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Latvia

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Latvia

The Government of Canada advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Latvia, for stays of up to 365 days.

Emergency services

general 112, police 110, ambulance 113, fire 112

Common questions about driving in Latvia

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Latvia?

Up to 3 years. Latvia joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 19 October 1992 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Latvia on my national licence alone?

The Government of Canada states: "You can drive in Latvia with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for one year." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Latvia's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Latvia?

Reach general on 112, police on 110, ambulance on 113, fire on 112. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Latvia. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Latvia?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.