Driver’s License in Romania: Exchange and Obtaining

Published on May 3, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining or exchanging a driver’s license in Romania can seem like a complex process for foreigners and even for residents of the country. Between cultural differences, language barriers, and recent legislative changes, it is crucial to understand the key steps to avoid potential pitfalls.

Whether you are a new resident looking to pass your first driving test or an expatriate seeking to exchange your original license for a valid Romanian document, this article will guide you through the essential procedures, required documents, and pitfalls to avoid in order to navigate the Romanian system with ease.

With practical tips and up-to-date information, you will soon be ready to get behind the wheel legally.

Administrative Steps for Obtaining a Driver’s License in Romania

Steps to Obtain a Driver’s License in Romania

1. Check Age and Residency Requirements

• Minimum age required: 18 years for most vehicle categories.
• Residency: You must have resided in Romania for at least 6 months (proof required).

2. Required Documents

• Valid ID (passport or identity card).
• Medical certificate attesting fitness to drive.
• Proof of residency (rental contract, utility bill, residence permit).
• Passport photos (usually 2).
• Completed application form.
• For foreigners transferring an existing license: original license + photocopy and notarized authentication certificate.
• In some cases, an International Driving Permit is recommended or required.

3. Enroll in an Accredited Driving School

• Choose a driving school recognized by Romanian authorities.
• Provide the documents listed above.
• Follow a training program including theory hours (traffic rules) and practice hours (driving).

4. Exam Process

Theoretical Exam (written test on traffic rules)

• Registration takes place after the theoretical training at the driving school.
• The exam can be taken in English if needed.
• Waiting time: usually a few weeks after the application.

Practical Exam (on-road driving test)

• Scheduled after passing the theoretical exam.
• Timeframe: usually 1 to 2 weeks after the theoretical test.

Step	Typical Timeframe	Approximate Fees*
Driving school training	1 to 3 months	1,000 to 2,500 RON
Exam registration	1 to 2 weeks	Included or 100-200 RON
License issuance	1 to 2 weeks	90 to 120 RON

*Fees vary depending on the driving school and region.

5. Tips for Passing the Exams

• Thoroughly review the Romanian traffic code (strict regulations and frequent checks).
• Practice driving regularly with a certified instructor.
• Arrive at the exams with all required documents and on time.
• Stay calm during the practical exam and strictly follow the rules.

6. Renewing Your Driver’s License

• Generally valid for 10 years for drivers under 70.
• Renewal: provide a new medical certificate, an ID, and the expired license.
• Issuance time: a few days to 2 weeks.

7. In Case of Loss or Theft

• Report the loss/theft to the police immediately.
• Go to the prefecture with the police report, an ID, passport photos, and a medical certificate.
• A duplicate is issued within 1 to 2 weeks.

Note

• Driving without a valid license is prohibited.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly penalized.
• For stays longer than 90 days, exchanging a foreign license for a Romanian one is mandatory for non-EU nationals.

Practical Tip
Plan your documents and administrative appointments in advance to avoid delays in the process.

Procedure for Exchanging a Foreign Driver’s License in Romania

Procedure for Exchanging a Foreign Driver’s License in Romania

Essential Steps to Follow:

• Check the eligibility of your license for exchange (only licenses issued by countries with which Romania has a reciprocity agreement or from the European Union).
• Ensure you have resident status in Romania (stay longer than 90 days and proof of residency).
• Prepare all necessary documents (see table below).
• Submit the application to the Serviciul Public Comunitar Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor of your county of residence.
• Pay the applicable administrative fees.
• Wait for validation and issuance of the new Romanian license.

Required Documents:

Document	Detail / Condition
Original driver’s license	Valid foreign license
ID	Valid passport or residence card
Official translation of the license	Sworn translation into Romanian if the license is not in Romanian
Proof of residency in Romania	Rental contract, proof of domicile, utility bill
Recent passport photo	Format compliant with Romanian standards
Medical certificate (fitness to drive)	Issued by an accredited medical center in Romania
Application form	To be picked up or filled out on site
Payment receipt	Proof of payment of exchange fees

Official Translation Requirements:

The translation of the license must be done by a sworn translator authorized by Romanian authorities.

Ensure the translator’s stamp and legalization are affixed.

Proofs of Residency:

• Lease agreement or property deed
• Certificate of accommodation
• Recent electricity, gas, or other utility bill in your name

Where and How to Apply:

Go to the office of the Serviciul Public Comunitar Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor in the county where you reside.

It is advisable to make an appointment online or by phone if possible.

Submit the complete file at the counter dedicated to foreign license exchanges.

Government Agencies to Contact:

• Serviciul Public Comunitar Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor (local prefectural services)
• For translation: sworn translators accredited by the Romanian Ministry of Justice

Associated Fees:

Fees vary by county, generally around 70-100 lei for issuing the new license.

Additional fees may apply for the official translation and medical certificate.

Special Requirements:

• Health check: mandatory medical examination for fitness to drive at an accredited center.
• Theoretical exam: required only if the foreign license does not meet European standards or if the bilateral agreement stipulates it.
• Verification of the license’s authenticity with the authorities of the country of origin.

Processing Times:

Average processing time of 30 to 60 days for issuing the Romanian license.

This timeframe may be extended if additional checks are needed.

Practical Tips:

• Verify that your foreign license is neither suspended nor revoked in the country of origin.
• Prepare certified copies of all documents.
• Keep an official translation for each document written in a language other than Romanian.
• Retain proof of filing your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Forgetting the official translation or presenting a non-sworn translation.
• Providing proof of residency not recognized by the authorities (e.g., a handwritten letter without official justification).
• Neglecting the medical exam, which is systematically required.
• Failing to check the validity or legality of your license in the country of origin.
• Submitting an incomplete file, which delays processing.

Remember: A complete file, up-to-date documents, and sworn translations are essential for a hassle-free exchange.

Understanding the Romanian Traffic Code to Pass Your Exam

Understanding the Romanian traffic code is fundamental to passing the driving exam, as it includes specific rules and signage that sometimes differ significantly from those in other countries. Mastering these particularities is essential both for safety and for obtaining the license.

Main Rules and Signage Specific to Romania:

• Speed limits:
  • In built-up areas: 50 km/h
  • Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h for cars
  • Express roads: 100 km/h
  • Highways: 130 km/h
  • For new drivers and vehicles with trailers: reduced limits by 20 km/h
• Alcohol while driving:
  • Zero tolerance: 0.0 g/l for all drivers
  • Any presence of alcohol is severely penalized
• Low-beam headlights:
  • Mandatory to use day and night, in all weather conditions, on all roads
• Seat belts:
  • Mandatory for all occupants, front and rear
• Mobile phone:
  • Prohibited without a hands-free system
• Children:
  • Under 12 years old prohibited in the front seat
  • Approved child seat mandatory
• Pedestrian priority:
  • Strict priority at crosswalks, even without traffic lights
• Mandatory equipment:
  • Warning triangle, fire extinguisher, safety vest (for vehicles >3.5 t)

License Categories and Key Elements to Master:

Category	Vehicles Covered	Key Points to Master
B	Cars, small utility vehicles	Priority rules, parking, speed limits, respecting pedestrians
A/A1/A2	Motorcycles, scooters	Specific two-wheeler signage, mandatory equipment (helmet, vest)
C	Heavy goods vehicles	Transport regulations, safety distances, technical inspections
D	Passenger transport (buses)	Bus signage, passenger management, stops
AM	Mopeds	Specific traffic rules, helmet use

Recommended Resources for Studying the Romanian Code:

• Official manuals: Available in bookstores or from driving schools; they contain the full legislation and signage.
• Online courses: Specialized platforms offering interactive modules, often updated and adapted to each license category.
• Mobile apps: Exam simulations, quizzes on signs, and traffic scenarios specific to Romania.
• Practice tests: Practical exercises to train under real conditions of the theoretical exam.

Practical Tips for Passing the Theoretical Exam:

• Memorize the meaning of the main signs, some of which are specific to Romania (e.g., priority or reserved parking signs).
• Take as many practice tests as possible to get familiar with the question structure.
• Practice questions related to safety (alcohol, seat belts, mandatory equipment), often a source of trick questions.
• Study special cases, such as managing priorities at intersections, which is heavily monitored during the exam.
• Learn about differences from other countries’ codes (e.g., mandatory use of low-beam headlights, zero tolerance for alcohol, absolute pedestrian priority).
• Do not neglect the section on penalties and procedures in case of an offense.

Potential Differences from Other Countries Not to Underestimate:

• Permanent use of low-beam headlights, including in broad daylight and good weather.
• Zero tolerance for alcohol, whereas some countries accept a low level.
• Strict pedestrian priority and highly regulated parking management.
• Sometimes different signage for priorities or reserved lanes.

Mastering the specifics of the Romanian code and training with appropriate resources are the keys to passing the exam and driving safely in Romania.