This guide aims to provide straightforward and helpful information for travelers. At the end, you'll have everything you need to confidently explore Latvia by car.
Yes, French travelers can rent and drive cars in Latvia, provided they meet the licence holding period, age limits, and payment card requirements.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport.
Driving licence:
The main and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1–3 years depending on the vehicle category. Accepted driving licence include:
• EU/EEA Driving License (valid across the EU/EEA, as well as in Switzerland and the United Kingdom)
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP serves only as a translation and must be presented together with the original licence at the counter).
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards: Visa and MasterCard. Prepaid or debit cards are not listed as accepted for guarantee at pick-up.
Age requirements:
Depending on the specific offer, the general permitted driving age ranges between 18–99 years. Common minimum ages are 21 years (often up to 79–99). For some offers, young driver surcharges apply: for ages 21–23, approximately EUR 12.10 per day (about US$14.23), and for ages 21–25, EUR 30.00 per day (about US$35.29). Exact applicable ranges and fees depend on the selected car category and rental supplier.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Select from a variety of trusted global chains and local providers to find the perfect fit for your car rental needs in Latvia.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
GREEN MOTION
Locations:
21Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Environmentally conscious travelers
Budget
Locations:
8Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
SIXT
Locations:
21Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking a diverse vehicle selection and good value
Thrifty
Locations:
7Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Dollar
Locations:
6Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers
Europcar
Locations:
16Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and business trips
CARWIZ
Locations:
9Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
ADDCAR RENTAL
Locations:
22Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
TOPRENT
Locations:
5Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentalsChoosing the right rental car can make your travel more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in USA
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving and automatic cars
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Las Vegas Downtown, Reno, Carson CityMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
cross-country routes including NevadaConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Las Vegas Strip, Lake Tahoe, Hoover Dam
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
The USA offers diverse iconic routes and popular city loops that suit different travel styles. You can also choose one-way rentals to explore more efficiently.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Latvia, but for peace of mind during your travels, additional coverage is highly recommended. Insurance coverage varies by provider, and what is included in your rental package may be limited. Selecting the appropriate insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses in case of an accident or other incidents.
Covers damage to the rental car from collision or theft.
Provides protection against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to others and their property.
Provides coverage for medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Latvia. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Smart booking strategies can help French travelers save significantly on car rentals while exploring Latvia. With varying prices based on season and demand, planning ahead and choosing the right options is key.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Latvia.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
French and Latvian traffic regulations vary in certain aspects such as priority rules at intersections, speed limits, and alcohol tolerance levels.
Priority at Intersections
Right turns have priority unless otherwise indicated.
Priority is given to vehicles from the right unless otherwise specified.
Speed Limits
Urban areas: 50km/h; Highways: 90km/h unless specified otherwise.
Urban areas: 50km/h; Highways: varies up to 130km/h.
Alcohol Limits
0.05% BAC limit for drivers.
0.02% BAC limit for novice drivers.
Mobile Phone Usage
Hands-free devices are mandatory.
Hands-free devices are mandatory.
Seat Belt Usage
Mandatory for all passengers.
Mandatory for all passengers.
