Before you start

A declared place of residence in Lithuania
A valid foreign licence that is not suspended or withdrawn
A medical certificate from a Lithuanian doctor, where required
A certified translation where the licence is not in Lithuanian, English or Russian

Step-by-step

1
Check which category your issuing country falls into
EU and EEA licences exchange administratively. Licences from other countries generally require passing the Lithuanian theory and practical examinations before a Lithuanian licence is issued.
OnlineWho: You
2
Get a Lithuanian medical certificate
A driver's health certificate from a Lithuanian clinic is part of the file. Book it early — it is a separate appointment from anything at Regitra.
In personWho: You
3
Book a Regitra appointment
Applications and appointments are handled through Regitra's own service network and online booking. Bring the original licence, your residence permit or ID, and the translation if one is needed.
OnlineWho: You
4
Sit the theory and practical tests if your licence requires them
The theory test is taken at a Regitra centre. The practical follows in a test vehicle. Lithuanian road rules include priority conventions and winter-tyre obligations that a confident foreign driver can still fail on.
In personWho: You
5
Collect the Lithuanian licence
Once issued, the foreign licence is normally surrendered. Keep a copy of it for any future dealings with the issuing country.
In personWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Original foreign driving licence
Residence permit or identity document
Lithuanian driver's medical certificate
Certified translation where the licence is not in Lithuanian, English or Russian
Proof of declared residence in Lithuania

Things most newcomers don’t know

A non-EU licence usually means sitting both exams, not filling in a form.

Lithuania does not operate a broad reciprocity list of the kind Estonia has via the Vienna Convention. Drivers arriving from North America, the Gulf or South Asia with decades of experience routinely expect an administrative swap and find they must pass a Lithuanian theory paper and a road test. Budget the study time, not just the fee.

Source: Regitra — exchange of driving licences issued abroad

Winter tyres are a legal obligation, not a precaution.

From 10 November to 31 March winter tyres are compulsory on Lithuanian roads. Vilnius is inland and genuinely gets a hard winter, and the requirement applies to hired and company cars too. Arriving in autumn with summer tyres is both a fine and a real safety problem on the hills around the Old Town.

Source: Lithuanian road traffic rules — seasonal tyre requirement

The 185-day rule is what triggers the obligation.

Residing in Lithuania for more than 185 days in a year is what makes you a normal resident for licensing purposes, and therefore what obliges you to hold a Lithuanian licence. It runs from residence, not from when you first drive, so a licence that felt fine for your first months can quietly stop being adequate.

Source: Regitra — driving licences and residence

Vilnius is small enough that many residents genuinely do not need a car.

The Old Town is largely pedestrianised, the trolleybus and bus network covers the built-up city, and parking in Senamiestis and Užupis is both scarce and paid. Plenty of people who exchange a licence out of habit then use it twice a year. Decide whether you need the car before you spend two exams on the licence.

Source: Go Vilnius — driving and car registration

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming a non-EU licence exchanges administratively — most require both exams.
Driving on summer tyres between 10 November and 31 March.
Booking the Regitra appointment before obtaining the Lithuanian medical certificate.
Turning up with an untranslated licence in a script Regitra will not accept.
Buying a car for a city where the parking, not the driving, is the constraint.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.