Driving License in Romania: Exchange, New License & Foreign Rules
Comprehensive guide to temporary driving with foreign licenses, Iranian license exchange, new license steps, renewal, and International Driving Permits (IDP).
Table of Contents
1. Temporary Use of Foreign Driving License
Who this applies to
- •Tourists
- •Short-term visa holders
- •New arrivals before getting a residence permit
2. Converting a Foreign Driving License (General)
Who this applies to
- •Foreigners from Annex 1 states (OMAI 163/2011)
Exceptions & Limitations
- ⚠️Expired licenses cannot be exchanged.
Required Documents
- ✓Original valid foreign license + copy
- ✓Notarized Romanian translation of license
- ✓Valid Romanian residence permit + copy
- ✓Valid passport + copy
- ✓Completed official DGPCI application form
Applicable Fees
| Amount | Notes |
|---|---|
| 89 RON | DGPCI Issuance Fee for Exchange. Payable via CEC Bank, ghișeul.ro, or DGPCI cash desks. |
3. Converting an Iranian Driving License in Romania
Who this applies to
- •Iranian citizens holding a valid Iranian Driving License and a Romanian Residence Permit (Permis de Ședere)
Exceptions & Limitations
- ⚠️Expired licenses cannot be exchanged.
Required Documents
- ✓Original valid Iranian license + copy
- ✓Notarized Romanian translation of license
- ✓Valid Romanian residence permit + copy
- ✓Valid passport + copy
- ✓Certified medical fitness form (Fișa Medicală) for a new administrative validity
- ✓Receipt of DGPCI issuance fee
- ✓Completed official DGPCI application form
Step-by-Step Process
The competent Romanian authority manages the verification process with the issuing state. Authenticity and validity must be confirmed. Additional documents may be requested.
Official translation of the Iranian license by an authorized Romanian translator.
Complete medical driving checks at a DGPCI accredited clinic.
Submit the completed file to the provincial DGPCI office, pay the issuance fee, and receive the registration receipt.
Applicable Fees
| Amount | Notes |
|---|---|
| 89 RON | DGPCI Issuance Fee for Exchange. Payable via CEC Bank, ghișeul.ro, or DGPCI cash desks. |
Process Timelines
| Duration | Notes |
|---|---|
| Varies (variable) | Duration varies depending on the verification of authenticity and validity from the issuing state. The applicant should confirm current requirements with the competent county service. |
4. Obtaining a Driving License from Scratch
Who this applies to
- •Foreigners who do not hold any driving license
- •Holders of non-exchangeable or expired foreign licenses
Required Documents
- ✓Valid Romanian Residence Permit
- ✓Medical and Psychological Certificates
- ✓Criminal Record Certificate (Cazier Judiciar)
- ✓Driving School Completion Certificate
Step-by-Step Process
Find a licensed driving school. Some schools in major cities offer instruction in English.
Pass the required fitness and psychological tests.
Pass the computerized theory test (Sala).
Pass the on-road driving test with a police examiner.
Applicable Fees
| Amount | Notes |
|---|---|
| 89 RON | DGPCI License Issuance Fee. Payable via CEC Bank, ghișeul.ro, or DGPCI cash desks. |
5. Renew Romanian Licence
Who this applies to
- •Holders of a Romanian Driving License approaching expiry
Applicable Fees
| Amount | Notes |
|---|---|
| 89 RON | DGPCI License Issuance Fee for Renewal. Payable via CEC Bank, ghișeul.ro, or DGPCI. |
6. International Driving Permit (IDP)
Who this applies to
- •Holders of a valid Romanian national driving licence
Required Documents
- ✓Valid Romanian Driving Licence
Applicable Fees
| Amount | Notes |
|---|---|
| 46 RON | DGPCI fee for IDP issuance. |
Process Timelines
| Duration | Notes |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 calendar days (variable) | Legal maximum processing time. |
7. Penalties, Suspension, and Restrictions
Who this applies to
- •Any driver operating a vehicle in Romania
⚠️Important Warnings
- •Important Residence Note: Once you establish legal residence (Permis de Ședere), Romanian law typically mandates converting your foreign license within a specific timeframe if you intend to continue driving.
Official Sources Cited
DGPCI - Eliberare Permis de Conducere Internațional
Directia Generală Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculări
Accessed on: 2026-08-04
DGPCI - Preschimbare Permise Străine
Directia Generală Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculări
Accessed on: 2026-08-04
Ordinul MAI 163/2011 privind preschimbarea permiselor
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Accessed on: 2026-08-04
Last Reviewed: 2026-08-04
Content status: Published | Fact-check status: Verified
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a driving exam required to convert an Iranian license to a Romanian one?
No. Converting an Iranian license to a Romanian one is done administratively, without a theory or practical exam, because Iran is among the countries exempted under OMAI 163/2011.
How long does the entire conversion process actually take?
According to Romania's official government service portal (MAI), once your file is complete and submitted, the license is typically issued within an average of 5 working days, maximum 14 calendar days. However, that is only the "administrative processing" time. The total real-world time — including getting an appointment, translating/certifying documents, and verification of your original license's authenticity — can take anywhere from one to several months. It's best to think of these as two separate clocks.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to convert my license?
No, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not part of the required documents for converting your Iranian license to a Romanian one. An IDP is a separate document, only relevant if you want to temporarily drive in Romania or elsewhere using your original Iranian license before conversion. If in doubt, it's a good idea to also confirm with your local county service.
Do newer Iranian licenses with English text on the back still require a certified translation?
Based on the official list of required documents, a certified Romanian translation of the license remains a listed requirement, regardless of whether the back of the license includes English text. We recommend contacting your local county service in advance to confirm whether the English-language version would be accepted in practice — this can vary somewhat between offices.
Is my original Iranian license retrievable after being surrendered during conversion?
According to official Romanian documentation, your Iranian license is retained by the Romanian authority during conversion, and you cannot hold both licenses at once. However, the process for retrieving it or having it returned to the Iranian embassy/police is not part of Romania's official process and isn't documented in Romanian official sources — this falls under the Iranian embassy/consulate's own procedures, so it's best to contact the Iranian Embassy in Bucharest directly.
Is a Romanian license obtained through converting an Iranian license valid in other EU countries (such as Italy)?
Yes. Under Article 2(1) of EU Directive 2006/126/EC, driving licenses issued by any EU member state, including Romania, are mutually recognized across all other member states. This means that once your Iranian license has been converted into a Romanian one, you do not need to convert it again in other EU countries.
Does the same conversion process apply to motorcycle or special licenses (such as forklift operation)?
This guide primarily covers the standard car license (Category B) conversion process. Other categories (such as motorcycle licenses or special/industrial licenses like forklift operation) generally follow the same country-of-issue-based exemption principle under OMAI 163/2011, but we recommend confirming the exact requirements for your specific category directly with your local county service, as details can vary between categories.
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This guide is part of the "Essentials & Settlement" collection.
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