Can I drive in Romania with a foreign licence?
It depends on the issuing country and your residence in Romania. Driving licences from the EU/EEA are recognised in Romania and can be used, and can be exchanged on request. For non-EU licences, if you have your home or residence in Romania (at least 185 days a year), you must exchange the foreign national licence for a similar Romanian document, under OMAI 163/2011. For more distant (non-EU) countries, verifying authenticity can take between 30 and 90 days, during which you drive with a replacement document. Any document issued by a foreign authority must be accompanied by a legalised translation into Romanian. Booking is usually done online on the DGPCI site (formerly DRPCIV). In short: EU — recognised; non-EU with residence in Romania — exchange mandatory.
📋 The rules
- EU/EEA licences: recognised; exchange on request
- Non-EU + home in Romania (185 days): exchange
- Legal basis: OMAI 163/2011 and GEO 195/2002
- Non-EU verification: can take 30–90 days
- Foreign document: legalised translation into Romanian
🔓 Exceptions
- Tourists/short stays: a valid licence can be used temporarily
- International Driving Permit: useful for some countries
- Categories with no equivalent: may need an extra exam
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving in Romania with a licence that is no longer valid for your situation (e.g. a non-EU licence not exchanged after you became a resident) can be treated as driving without a valid licence, which brings serious sanctions, including criminal liability in the cases provided by law. To stay compliant: if you move to Romania with a non-EU licence, start the exchange procedure in good time (online booking at DGPCI), prepare the legalised translation of the licence and your residence documents, and bear in mind that verification can take up to 90 days. If you have an EU/EEA licence, you can use it and exchange it on request. For short stays (tourism), the valid licence from your country is usually enough.
📎 Official sources
- OMAI 163/2011 on exchanging foreign licences →
- Directorate for Driving Licences and Vehicle Registration (DGPCI) →
- GEO 195/2002 · Road Code →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I drive in Romania with an EU licence?
Yes. Driving licences issued in the EU or EEA are recognised in Romania and can be used as such. You can exchange them on request for a Romanian document, but you aren't obliged to do so just to drive, as long as the EU licence is valid and matches the vehicle category.
Do I have to exchange a non-EU licence?
Yes, if you have your home or residence in Romania at least 185 days a year. In that case, you must exchange the foreign national licence for a similar Romanian document, under OMAI 163/2011. For tourists and short stays, the valid licence from the country of origin can usually be used temporarily.
How long does exchanging a non-EU licence take?
For licences from more distant (non-EU) countries, verifying authenticity can take between 30 and 90 days. During this period you can drive with a replacement document issued by the authorities. The duration depends on how quickly the authorities in the issuing state respond.
What documents do I need for the exchange?
You need the foreign licence, a legalised Romanian translation of it, the documents proving your home or residence in Romania, and the required forms. Booking is usually done online, on the DGPCI site (formerly DRPCIV). The exact requirements can vary depending on the licence's issuing country.
What do I risk if I don't exchange the licence?
If you've become a resident and drive with a non-EU licence you were required to exchange, you can be treated as driving without a valid licence. This brings serious sanctions, including criminal liability in the cases provided by law. That's why it's important to start the exchange in good time.
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