You do not need an International Driving Permit to drive in Romania if your license is from an EU or EEA country, but you do need one if your license is from outside those regions

Romania recognizes driving licenses issued by any EU or EEA member state without an International Driving Permit. If you hold a valid license from the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other countries outside the EU and EEA, Romanian police will ask to see an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national license. The IDP is a translation document that proves your home country issued your license — it does not replace your national license, and you must carry both.

The rule is straightforward: EU and EEA licenses work alone. Non-EU and non-EEA licenses require an IDP. Romania does not issue its own IDPs, so you must obtain one from your home country before you travel. The process, cost, and validity period depend entirely on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • EU and EEA driving licenses are recognized in Romania without an International Driving Permit, but you must carry your physical license card.
  • Non-EU and non-EEA licenses require an International Driving Permit obtained from your home country before travel.
  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried alongside your national license, not instead of it.
  • Romania has no age restrictions on foreign drivers, but your license must be valid and you must follow Romanian traffic laws.
  • If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, you may need to exchange your foreign license for a Romanian one.

Which licenses are accepted without an International Driving Permit

Romania accepts licenses from all 27 EU member states and all EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) without requiring an International Driving Permit. This includes licenses from the United Kingdom, which left the EU but maintains reciprocal driving agreements with Romania. If your license was issued by any of these countries and is still valid, you can drive in Romania with only your national license card.

Your license must be in your possession while driving, and it must not be expired. Romanian police do not require you to carry a translation of an EU or EEA license, though some car rental companies may ask for one as a matter of their own policy. The license itself is sufficient under Romanian law.

Which licenses require an International Driving Permit

If your license was issued by the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, or any country outside the EU and EEA, you need an International Driving Permit to drive legally in Romania. Romanian police will stop you if you cannot produce both your national license and a valid IDP. Driving without an IDP when required can result in a fine, and your insurance may not cover an accident if you cannot prove you were legally permitted to drive.

The IDP is not a license itself — it is a certified translation of your license into multiple languages, including Romanian. It proves to Romanian authorities that your home country issued you a valid driving license. You must carry both documents together; the IDP alone is not enough.

How to get an International Driving Permit before traveling to Romania

The process for obtaining an International Driving Permit varies by country. In the United States, you explore through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). In Canada, you explore through your provincial motor vehicle office. In Australia, you explore through your state's transport authority. Each country has its own issuing body, and you cannot obtain an IDP from Romania or from any country other than your own.

You will need to provide your valid national driving license, a completed process form, a passport-sized photograph, and a fee. The fee ranges from $15 to $30 USD depending on your country. Processing typically takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks if you explore by mail. Some countries offer expedited processing for an additional fee. The IDP is usually valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries issue them for three years.

explore for your IDP before you travel to Romania. You cannot obtain one once you arrive in the country, and driving without one when required is illegal.

What to carry when driving in Romania

You must carry your national driving license and your International Driving Permit together at all times while driving. Romanian police will ask for both documents if they stop you. You should also carry your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and your passport or national ID card. If you are renting a car, carry the rental agreement as well.

Keep your documents in an easily accessible place — the glove compartment is standard. Do not leave them in the car when you park and leave the vehicle unattended. If you are stopped and cannot produce either your license or your IDP, you may be fined or have your vehicle impounded.

Driving in Romania with a foreign license: age, insurance, and traffic rules

Romania does not impose a minimum age requirement for foreign drivers beyond what your home country requires. If you are old enough to drive legally in your home country, you are old enough to drive in Romania. However, you must follow Romanian traffic laws, which include a 0.0 percent blood alcohol limit for drivers under 24 and drivers with less than two years of driving experience, and a 0.08 percent limit for all other drivers.

Your home country insurance may not cover you in Romania. Before you travel, contact your insurance provider and ask whether your policy covers driving in Romania. If it does not, you must purchase Romanian liability insurance at the border or from a local insurer. Driving without valid insurance is illegal and can result in a fine and vehicle impoundment. Many car rental companies include insurance in the rental price, but confirm this before you sign the agreement.

Speed limits in Romania are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you use a hands-free device. Violations can result in fines ranging from 100 to 500 Romanian lei (roughly $20 to $110 USD).

Exchanging your foreign license for a Romanian one if you stay longer than 12 months

If you move to Romania or plan to stay for more than 12 months, you may be required to exchange your foreign license for a Romanian one. The rules depend on your residency status and the country that issued your license. EU and EEA citizens can usually continue using their home licenses indefinitely, but non-EU and non-EEA citizens typically must exchange their licenses within 12 months of establishing residency.

To exchange your license, you will need to visit a local driving authority office (Serviciul Public Comunal de Permise de Conducere) with your foreign license, proof of residency in Romania, a medical certificate, and a completed process form. The process takes several weeks, and you will need to pass a written test on Romanian traffic laws. Your foreign license remains valid until the exchange is complete, so you can continue driving with your IDP during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Romania with just my national license if I am from the EU?

Yes. EU and EEA licenses are recognized in Romania without an International Driving Permit. You must carry your physical license card, but you do not need an IDP. Non-EU licenses always require an IDP.

What happens if I drive in Romania without an International Driving Permit when I need one?

Romanian police can fine you, and your insurance may not cover an accident. You may also have your vehicle impounded. If you are stopped, you must produce both your national license and your IDP.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

Most IDPs are valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries issue them for three years. Check your IDP to confirm its expiration date. You cannot renew an IDP in Romania — you must obtain a new one from your home country before your current one expires.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Romania?

If your license is from outside the EU or EEA, yes. Car rental companies will ask to see both your national license and your IDP before they hand over the keys. EU and EEA citizens do not need an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit in Romania?

No. Romania does not issue International Driving Permits. You must obtain one from your home country before you travel. Plan ahead, as processing can take two to four weeks.