Driving licence renewal in Latvia
Renewing a Latvian driving license typically involves undergoing a health check, then visiting a Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) customer service center to submit an application and necessary documents. The new license is usually issued within a short period after application.
It is advisable for individuals to begin the renewal process several weeks to a few months before their current driving license expires. This allows ample time for scheduling and attending the mandatory health check, and accounts for potential waiting times at CSDD customer service centers and processing times for the new license.
Start 30 days ahead
This lead time accounts for booking a health check appointment, visiting the CSDD service center, and the standard processing time for issuing a new license.
The process
- 1Undergo a mandatory medical examination by a certified physician or medical commission to obtain a health certificate valid for driving.
- 2Visit a customer service center of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD).
- 3Submit the valid health certificate, a valid personal identification document, and the expiring or expired driving license.
- 4Fill out the application form (usually provided at the CSDD office or online).
- 5Pay the state fee for the issuance of the new driving license.
- 6Have a new digital photograph taken at the CSDD center, if necessary.
- 7Collect the new driving license from the CSDD customer service center when it is ready (optionally, it might be possible to have it mailed for an additional fee in some cases).
What to bring
- Valid personal identification document (e.g., passport or ID card)
- Current or expired Latvian driving license
- Valid health certificate issued by a certified physician or medical commission
Who handles it
Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija (Road Traffic Safety Directorate - CSDD)
The state fee for issuing a driving license typically varies based on the urgency of issuance (e.g., standard, urgent, very urgent). The specific fees should be confirmed on the official CSDD website or at a CSDD customer service center.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure the health certificate is current and valid for driving license renewal, as it has its own validity period.
- Verify the opening hours and any specific appointment requirements for CSDD customer service centers before visiting.
- Confirm the exact fees and available payment methods at the time of application.
- If planning to travel abroad, allow sufficient time for the new license to be issued, as the old one will be surrendered upon application.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Latvia
Driving licence renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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