One of the most common questions we hear from people relocating to Lithuania is simple: “Can I just swap my current driving licence for a Lithuanian one?” The honest answer is “it depends” — mostly on where your licence was issued and whether you have established residency here. This guide breaks down the two main scenarios.
If your licence is from an EU or EEA country
Good news: there is no need to pass extra tests to exchange a driving licence issued in an EU Member State or an EEA country. The main condition is residency — your place of residence must be declared in Lithuania for at least 185 days in each calendar year, or you must be able to justify your personal or occupational ties to Lithuania. Once that is in place, the exchange at Regitra is largely administrative.
If your licence is from outside the EU/EEA
Here it is stricter. As a rule, you will need to pass both a theory and a practical exam at Regitra to receive a Lithuanian licence. The important exception: if Lithuania has a bilateral agreement with the country that issued your licence, you may be able to exchange it without retaking the tests. Whether such an agreement applies to your country is the single most important thing to check before you start.
Timing also matters. If you hold a non-EU/EEA licence and settle in Lithuania, you are generally expected to exchange it within 185 days of establishing residency.
Documents you will typically need
- Your original driving licence, valid at the time of application
- An official translation if the licence is not in Lithuanian, English or Russian
- A valid driver’s health certificate obtained from a medical facility in Lithuania
- Proof of your declared residence in Lithuania
- A valid personal identity document
About the medical certificate
A frequent stumbling block: health checks carried out abroad are not accepted. You will need a valid medical certificate issued by a healthcare facility in Lithuania, confirming your fitness to drive.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake my test? Not for EU/EEA licences. For non-EU/EEA licences, yes — unless a bilateral agreement removes that requirement.
Can I drive while my exchange is being processed? Short-term visitors can generally use a valid national licence for up to 185 days. Once you are a resident beyond that, exchanging is expected.
What if my paperwork is incomplete? The application will stall. This is exactly where an eligibility review and properly arranged translations save weeks of back-and-forth.
Not sure where you stand? Request a free eligibility check and we will map the lawful route for your exact situation — or tell you honestly if there isn’t one.
Sources: Regitra – exchange after return from EU/EEA, Regitra – exchange from other countries, Go Vilnius – driving guide.