Can I drive outside the EU on my Romanian licence?
It depends on the country: in Europe the Romanian licence is enough, outside it you may need an international permit. For a trip in the EU, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or in countries such as the UK, Switzerland and Moldova, your Romanian driving licence is fully valid and you don't need extra documents. Once you leave this area, the situation differs: to drive, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is a certified translation of the national licence into 7 languages, recognised by states party to the Vienna Convention (1968). It's issued by ACR (the Romanian Automobile Club), valid 1 year, or by DGPCI (formerly DRPCIV), valid 3 years (but not beyond the national licence's expiry). In short: in Europe — your licence; outside it — check whether you need an IDP.
📋 The rules
- EU/EEA, UK, Switzerland, Moldova: Romanian licence is enough
- Outside this area: you may need an IDP
- IDP = licence translation into 7 languages (Vienna Convention)
- ACR: valid 1 year; DGPCI: valid 3 years
- IDP validity: not beyond the national licence's expiry
🔓 Exceptions
- The IDP is always used together with the original national licence
- Some states require the IDP, others recommend it
- A valid licence is mandatory — the IDP doesn't replace it
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving in a country that requires an international permit without one can be treated as driving without a valid licence in that state, with local sanctions (fines, vehicle immobilisation) and insurance problems in case of an accident. The IDP is always used together with the original national licence — it doesn't replace it. To stay compliant: before leaving, check the destination state's requirements; if you need an IDP, request it in good time from ACR or DGPCI (documents: the national licence, ID, photos, a request), bear in mind the validity (1 year at ACR, 3 years at DGPCI) and take both the IDP and the national licence. When renting a car abroad, ask the firm which documents it accepts.
📎 Official sources
- Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 1968) →
- Romanian Automobile Club (ACR) · the international permit →
- Directorate for Driving Licences and Vehicle Registration (DGPCI) →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need an international permit in the EU?
No. For trips in the EU, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or in countries such as the UK, Switzerland and Moldova, your Romanian driving licence is fully valid and you don't need extra documents to drive.
When do I need an international permit?
When you drive in countries outside the recognised European area (EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Moldova). For many states outside this area, an International Driving Permit (IDP), recognised by states party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, may be needed. Check the destination's requirements before leaving.
Where do I get the international permit?
The International Driving Permit can be obtained from the Romanian Automobile Club (ACR), where it's valid one year, or from the Directorate for Driving Licences and Vehicle Registration (DGPCI), where the validity is three years, but no longer than your national licence's expiry date.
What documents do I need for the IDP?
Usually you need the national driving licence in original and a copy, your ID, the request form and two passport-type photos. ACR also asks for the membership card. Issuing can take up to 30 days, and the document can be delivered by courier to the address you indicate.
Does the IDP replace the national licence?
No. The international driving permit is actually a translation of your national licence and is always used together with it, in original. The IDP isn't valid on its own and doesn't replace the national licence; both documents must be presented when you drive abroad, where it's required.
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