Driving a car with foreign plates 

• If you move to Lithuania from another EU/EEA country and your car was registered there, you have 6 months to re-register it. This period starts from the date you first use the vehicle on Lithuanian roads. Note that there isn't a strict border control for this, so crossing the border may not be officially recorded. 
• For cars registered outside the EU, you can use them in Lithuania for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you must register the vehicle in Lithuania within 30 days of receiving your residence permit and declaring your place of residency. 

Registration of vehicle in Lithuania 

To register your car in Lithuania, you need to have a residence permit, a personal identification number (known as asmens kodas), and have declared your place of residency in Lithuania. 

Requirements: 

• Technical Inspection: Your vehicle must pass a mandatory technical inspection to ensure it meets safety and environmental standards. You can find inspection service providers here
• Compulsory Motor Third Party Liability Insurance: Obtain this insurance for your vehicle
• Certificate of Conformity: If your car was registered in a non-EU/EEA country, you’ll need this certificate. A list of companies specializing in conformity assessment can be found here

SDK code 

The SDK (Unique Vehicle Owner Declaration Code) is an 8-letter code required for all vehicles owned by Lithuanian residents or companies. It is generated anew each time the vehicle changes ownership. You need the SDK code to register and sell your vehicle. Obtain your SDK code online or at Regitra branch.   

If you're buying a car already registered in Lithuania, check for any restrictions, such as whether the car is seized or pledged. You can verify the vehicle's details and restrictions here

Car insurance  

All vehicles registered in Lithuania must have motor third-party liability insurance. You can choose from insurers like  Lietuvos draudimas, BTA, Gjensidige, Compensa, ERGO, and others. 

Plan your visit to Regitra 

To ensure a smooth experience, please register in advance for a visit to the Regitra branch. When you visit, bring: 

• The vehicle you wish to register for authentication 
• Your Personal Identity Card or passport 
• A document certifying the vehicle's previous registration 
• A conformity assessment document (if you purchased the vehicle from outside the EEA) 

When registering passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles in Lithuania, a registration tax fee applies. This fee depends on factors such as the type or combination of fuel your vehicle uses and whether its CO2 emissions exceed the 130 g/km threshold. Check tax fee here.  

At the Regitra branch, you will receive a registration certificate and new registration number plates. For a comprehensive and user-friendly guide on registering your car in Lithuania, you can watch the Regitra video here.