Can I drive a car not registered in my name?
Not for long: after buying, you must register the car in your name. You have a legal deadline to finalise registration in your name — generally up to 90 days from purchase (some sources mention a stricter 30-day deadline from signing the contract). If you miss it, you risk registration suspension and fines. To register you need: the sale contract, the CIV (vehicle identity card), the registration certificate, valid RCA insurance in your name and a valid ITP. From 2026 (GEO 7/2026), both seller and buyer must present a tax clearance certificate (CAF) confirming the absence of local debts, and for any second-hand car RAR AutoPass (the mileage history) is mandatory. Usual fees include the registration certificate (49 lei) and plates (40 lei).
📋 The rules
- Register in your name within the legal deadline (up to 90 days)
- Papers: contract, CIV, registration certificate, RCA, ITP
- From 2026: tax certificate (CAF) for seller and buyer
- RAR AutoPass mandatory for second-hand cars
- Fees: certificate (49 lei), plates (40 lei), possibly ITP
🔓 Exceptions
- Imported vehicles: may need extra RAR verification
- Temporary plates: only temporarily, under the law
- Cars without valid ITP: can't be registered
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving a car not registered in your name after the legal deadline, or with suspended registration, is severely sanctioned: class IV fines (9–20 fine points) and retention of the registration certificate and plates, leaving the vehicle with no right to circulate. To stay compliant: register the car on time, prepare in advance the contract, CIV, RCA, ITP and, from 2026, the tax certificate (CAF) and RAR AutoPass. Check there are no debts at the local budget under the old owner and make sure you've registered/deregistered correctly. A car that's unregistered or has its papers retained can't lawfully drive on public roads.
📎 Official sources
- GEO 195/2002 · Road Code →
- Directorate for Driving Licences and Vehicle Registration (DGPCI) →
- Romanian Vehicle Register (RAR) · AutoPass →
❓ Frequently asked
How long do I have to register the car?
You have a legal deadline to finalise registration in your name — generally up to 90 days from purchase, though some sources mention a stricter 30-day deadline from signing the sale contract. If you miss the deadline, you risk registration suspension and fines.
What papers do I need for registration?
You need the sale contract, the CIV (vehicle identity card), the registration certificate, valid RCA insurance in your name and a valid ITP. From 2026, the tax clearance certificate (CAF) and RAR AutoPass for second-hand cars are added, under the new rules.
What is the tax certificate (CAF) at sale?
From 2026, under GEO 7/2026, both seller and buyer must present a tax clearance certificate confirming the absence of local-budget debts. This requirement aims to transfer the car free of outstanding tax debts and protects the buyer from hidden liabilities.
What is RAR AutoPass?
RAR AutoPass is a document mandatory for any second-hand vehicle sale, attesting the car's mileage history. Its purpose is to fight odometer fraud and give the buyer an accurate picture of the vehicle's real mileage before purchase.
What do I risk if I don't register on time?
Driving a car not registered in your name, or with suspended registration, is fined under class IV (9–20 fine points) plus retention of the registration certificate and plates. In practice, the car has no right to circulate until you regularise the situation.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “vehicle registration deadline 90 days”
- “car registration papers 2026”
- “tax certificate caf car sale”
- “rar autopass mileage”
- “fine unregistered car”
- “second-hand car registration”