How to Get an International Driving Permit in Romania
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05 Jul 2026 08:52:26 am.
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An IDP is not a separate driving licence. It is a supporting document used together with a valid national licence when driving or renting a vehicle abroad.
If You Have a Romanian Driving Licence
If your licence was issued in Romania, you can apply for an official Romanian international driving permit through the competent Romanian authority.
The Romanian international driving permit is based on the valid Romanian driving licence. It cannot show categories that are not already included on the national licence.
Official Romanian government page: Permis de conducere internațional — MAI Hub
If You Are a Foreigner Already in Romania
Foreigners in Romania may hold a U.S., UK, Canadian, Indian, UAE, Brazilian, or other non-Romanian driving licence.
In most cases, Romania does not issue a Romanian IDP based only on a foreign licence. The official IDP should normally be issued by the country that issued the original driving licence.
If you are already in Romania and need a supporting international driving document or licence translation for travel use, you can submit an online application for an IDP in Romania with your licence details, photo, signature, and delivery information.
This document should be used together with your original valid licence. It should not be treated as a Romanian driving licence.
EU and EEA Driving Licences in Romania
Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are generally recognised across the European Union while they remain valid.
This means that a person with a valid licence from Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, Portugal, or another EU/EEA country can usually drive in Romania without applying for a Romanian IDP. EU guidance: Driving licence exchange and recognition in the EU — Your Europe
Non-EU Driving Licences in Romania
Drivers from outside the EU and EEA should check Romanian rules before driving or renting a vehicle. A non-EU licence may need to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit or translation, depending on the licence country, language, and rental company policy.
This is especially relevant for visitors from the United States, Canada, India, Turkey, the UAE, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and other non-EU countries.
Car Rental in Romania
Car rental companies in Romania may ask for more than the legal minimum. A rental office may require the original driving licence, passport, credit card, IDP, translation, or proof that the licence has been held for a minimum period.
This is especially common at airports, in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, Brașov, and tourist areas.
Before booking, check the exact rental office requirements. A prepaid booking does not always guarantee vehicle release if the required driving documents are missing.
Romanian Residents With Foreign Licences
A foreigner living in Romania should not treat an IDP as a permanent solution. Residence rules may require licence exchange or recognition depending on the country that issued the original licence.
If a foreign licence is exchanged for a Romanian licence, the driver may later be able to apply for a Romanian international driving permit based on the Romanian licence.
Important Notes
- An IDP does not replace the original driving licence.
It cannot make an expired licence valid.
It cannot add motorcycle, truck, or bus categories.
Romania usually issues its official IDP on the basis of a Romanian driving licence.
Foreign residents may need to exchange or recognise their licence.
Rental companies may apply their own document rules.
Summary
To get an International Driving Permit online in Romania, first check where your licence was issued.
Romanian licence holders should use the official Romanian procedure. Foreigners already in Romania usually need an IDP from the country that issued their original licence, or a suitable supporting document or translation for travel situations.
Before driving, check Romanian rules, rental company requirements, and the rules connected to your licence country.
Tags: IDP in Romania
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