Can I drive on an expired licence?
No — and the fine is BGN 300, even if you have already applied. A driving licence is issued with a validity of 10 years for drivers up to 70. For the professional categories (C, D, E, T) it is 5 years, and over 70 the period is shorter and depends on the medical assessment. You can apply to renew up to 3 months before expiry — and it is sensible to start at least a month earlier, because a medical certificate is required and the ordinary service takes up to 30 days. Driving on an expired licence is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, fined BGN 300 (≈€153). One important detail: if you do not drive, the law sets you no deadline to replace an expired document — the obligation only arises once you get behind the wheel.
📋 The rules
- Validity: 10 years for drivers up to 70
- Professional categories C, D, E, T: 5 years
- You may apply up to 3 months before expiry
- Fine for driving on an expired licence: BGN 300 (≈€153)
- A medical certificate is required; the service takes up to 30 days
🔓 Exceptions
- If you do not drive, there is no legal deadline to replace an expired licence
- Over 70, the validity period is set by the medical assessment
- On loss or theft, replacement is mandatory and must be declared
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving on an expired licence is fined BGN 300 (≈€153). The part most people get wrong: the fine applies even if you have already filed for a new document — a pending application does not entitle you to drive while you wait. So renew before the licence expires. Separately, in a crash on an expired licence the insurer can pursue recourse against you and comprehensive cover can refuse to pay. Driving with no entitlement at all, or after your licence has been withdrawn, is a far more serious matter and in many cases a crime rather than an administrative offence.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of the Interior · Replacing a driving licence →
- Your Europe · Renewing a driving licence in the EU →
- lex.bg · Road Traffic Act →
❓ Frequently asked
How long is a driving licence valid?
Ten years for drivers up to 70. For the professional categories C, D, E and T it is five years, and over 70 the period is shorter and depends on the medical assessment.
What is the fine for an expired licence?
BGN 300 (≈€153) for driving on an expired licence. The fine is fixed and applies at any roadside check, regardless of how long ago the licence expired.
Can I drive if I have already applied for a new one?
No. This is the commonest misconception — the BGN 300 fine applies even if your application is already in. A pending application does not entitle you to drive in the meantime.
Is there a deadline to renew if I do not drive?
No. If you do not drive a motor vehicle, the law does not require you to replace an expired licence within any set period. The obligation only bites the moment you get behind the wheel.
When should I start the renewal?
You can apply up to 3 months before expiry. Start at least a month earlier: a medical certificate is required and the ordinary service takes up to 30 days to complete.
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