Get your International Driving Permit for Romania in 8 minutes

Your license instantly translated and valid in 150+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.

Digital + Printed International Driving Permit – Always have a backup while traveling
Accepted in 189+ Countries – Drive legally, stress-free
Free English ID Card – Helps with language barriers
Meets Global Driving Standards – Recognized internationally
Perfect for Non-English Countries – No translation issues

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Limited Coverage

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$49

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Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

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Does Romania require an International Driving Permit?

Original license: Always required
Format accepted: Printed & digital
Issuer matters: Verify authority recognition
Valid from entry: Up to 3 years

Romania allows foreign nationals to drive for up to one year from entry with a recognized International Driving Permit alongside their valid domestic license. Issuing authority recognition matters here, confirm yours is accepted before driving.

Driver type	Requirement	Notes
Tourist / short-term visitor	Required in most cases	Carry original license at all times
Rental car driver	Commonly required	Verify issuing authority with your rental company
Long-term foreign resident	Different rules apply	After 1 year, a local license may be needed
Mutually recognized license holder	May be exempt	Depends on home country agreement

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in Romania?

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

Valid domestic driver’s license
Passport-style photo
Valid government-issued ID
Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

18 years or older
Valid home country license
License not suspended
Applicable from home or abroad

Start application

Romania follows the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. That means:

✅ A 1968-format International Driving Permit is the correct version.
❌ A 1949-format International Driving Permit is not valid in Romania.
EU/EEA/Swiss licence holders don’t need an International Driving Permit.
Non-EU travellers with non-Latin script licences must carry a 1968 International Driving Permit.
Many rental companies and insurers require an International Driving Permit even if not strictly mandated.

The safest choice? Secure a 1968 International Driving Permit before your trip—especially if your licence isn’t EU/EEA or isn’t in Latin script.

👉 You can quickly obtain your dual-convention International Driving Permit through the International Drivers Association (IDA), the only provider covering both the 1968 Vienna and 1949 Geneva Conventions—ensuring you’re protected for Romania and beyond.

Recognition & Legal Basis

Romania is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention.
Romania is not a contracting party to the 1949 Geneva Convention.
The correct International Driving Permit format for Romania is the 1968 International Driving Permit.
Rules are enforced under:
- OUG 195/2002 (Romanian Traffic Code)
- HG 1391/2006 (Implementation Regulations)

Who Needs an International Driving Permit in Romania?

Licence origin	Script type	International Driving Permit requirement	Notes
EU/EEA/Switzerland	Latin	❌ Not required	Licence recognized directly
UK	Latin	❌ Not required (short stays)	1968 Convention party; International Driving Permit may be needed for rentals
Non-EU, 1968 Convention (e.g., Australia, Japan)	Latin	❌ Often not required	Rental companies may require it
Non-EU, 1968 Convention	Non-Latin	✅ Required	Ensures translation and acceptance
Countries under 1949 only	Any	⚠️ Not valid	Get a 1968 International Driving Permit or sworn translation
Neither convention	Any	✅ Strongly recommended	Recognition uncertain

How to Get an International Driving Permit for Romania

You must secure your International Driving Permit before traveling. Romania accepts only the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit, and the 1949 Geneva format is not valid.

The International Drivers Association (IDA) makes the process simple. Every permit issued by IDA includes both the 1968 and 1949 conventions by default, so you’re always covered not only in Romania but also in over 240+ countries worldwide.

Step 1 – Confirm the Correct Format

Romania requires the 1968-format International Driving Permit.
A 1949-format International Driving Permit alone will not be accepted.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents

To apply with IDA, you’ll need:

A valid domestic driving licence
A passport-style photo
A completed application form
Payment of the processing fee

Step 3 – Apply with IDA

Submit your application online in minutes.
Get a dual-convention International Driving Permit that covers both Vienna (1968) and Geneva (1949) standards.
Enjoy 24/7 support, unlimited free replacements, and worldwide delivery.

Step 4 – Carry Both Documents

Your International Driving Permit is only valid when presented together with your original licence. Romanian police, rental companies, and insurers will ask for both.

✅ Pro tip: With IDA, you never have to worry about choosing the wrong format. Every permit automatically includes complete dual-convention coverage for maximum acceptance.

Using Your International Driving Permit in Romania

Always carry:
- Domestic licence
- 1968 International Driving Permit (if applicable)
- Passport/ID
- Vehicle registration + insurance
- Rental agreement (if renting)
- Road vignette (rovinietă)
- Emergency equipment (triangle, vest, first aid kit)
Police checks: Officers require physical documents. Digital licences are not accepted.
Rentals & insurance: Many rental firms demand an International Driving Permit for non-EU licences or non-Latin scripts. Insurance claims can be denied without one.

Residency Rules

Visitors can drive with their home licence (and International Driving Permit if needed) until establishing residence.
Once resident, non-EU drivers must exchange their licence via DRPCIV (Romanian driving authority).
EU/EEA licences remain valid under EU law.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Bringing a 1949 International Driving Permit instead of 1968.
❌ Relying on International Driving Permit without your original licence.
❌ Assuming digital licences are valid.
❌ Ignoring rental company International Driving Permit requirements.
❌ Waiting until arrival—International Driving Permits cannot be issued inside Romania.

FAQs – International Driving Permit in Romania

1. Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Romania?

EU/EEA/Swiss licences: No.
Non-EU licences in Latin script: Often no, but recommended.
Non-Latin script licences: Yes, 1968 International Driving Permit required.

2. Which International Driving Permit format does Romania accept?

Only the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit. Romania does not recognize the 1949 International Driving Permit.

3. Can I use a digital licence?

No. Only physical documents are accepted at roadside checks.

4. Where can I get a valid International Driving Permit?

From your home country’s issuing authority or through the International Drivers Association (IDA), which provides dual-convention permits valid in 240+ countries.

5. Do rental companies require an International Driving Permit?

Many do, especially for non-EU licences. Check terms before booking.

6. Can I get an International Driving Permit inside Romania?

No. You must secure it before travel.

International Driving Permit Checklist for Romania

✅ Confirm you need a 1968 International Driving Permit
✅ Apply through an authorized issuer or IDA
✅ Carry your licence + International Driving Permit together
✅ Verify rental and insurance terms
✅ Buy a rovinietă vignette if driving outside cities
✅ Pack required safety equipment

Final Word

Driving in Romania is straightforward when you carry the right documents. Since Romania recognizes only the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit, travelers should secure this format in advance.

The International Drivers Association (IDA) makes the process easy—issuing dual-convention International Driving Permits valid in 240+ countries, with 24/7 support and guaranteed global acceptance.

👉 Apply for your 1968 International Driving Permit today with IDA and enjoy stress-free driving in Romania and across Europe.

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Print + Digital International Driving Permit

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Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
Includes a free ID card with English license details
Globally recognized & meets international standards
Essential for non-English speaking countries

Digital International Driving Permit

Instant Peace of Mind – Ready for Download in Minutes

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Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
Accepted widely, but not in all countries
Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card

You will receive a printed and digital International Driving License booklet and card. The digital International Driving Permit is sent in 8 minutes and your physical International Driving Permit will be mailed. Click here for information on countries with International Driving Permit limitations.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common queries and get the information you need quickly and easily.

An International Driving Permit is a translation document of your driver's license in several languages. It is a translation booklet that translates your driver's license into a language your destination country understands. This allows foreign drivers to legally drive a private motor vehicle and can be a form of identification.

It is an international travel document and not a replacement for your domestic driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Some countries, car rental agencies, insurance companies, and/or traffic authorities may ask to see your International Driving Permit whenever you are abroad, so it is best to keep one handy at all times. You should always carry and show your domestic driver's license along with the International Driving Permit whenever asked.

An international driver's license, technically, does not exist, so it does not grant any driving privileges and is not considered a substitute for a valid domestic driver's license. But most drivers interchangeably use this term with an international driving permit.

An international driving permit (International Driving Permit) is a travel document governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for your valid driver's license from your home country.

There are some countries that may or may not recognize your domestic driver's license but will officially recognize an International Driving Permit, which offers a local language translation of your valid license.

In some cases, the destination country's government may not require foreign visitors to have an International Driving Permit, but some car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, etc.) may require an international driving permit for you to rent a car.

Quiz: Take our quiz or contact your destination's traffic authorities and offices for more information.

This International Driving Permit follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Most countries recognize the International Driving Permit if presented alongside your domestic driving license. Drivers from countries that use non-Roman alphabets (like Thailand or Russia) are often advised to obtain an International Driving Permit.

Not recognized in: North Korea, South Korea, Japan

Only accept one-year validity printed International Driving Permit: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

China does not recognize international driver's licenses, and foreign drivers need to obtain a Chinese driver's license.

To get an International Driving Permit, you will need:

• A valid domestic driving license
• A passport-style photo

Process:
1. Fill out the form
2. Upload photos of the back and front of your domestic driving license
3. Upload a passport-style photo
4. Attach your digital signature

Start your application here

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country

Applying for an International Driving Permit in your home country varies and will most likely take 2–3 weeks, longer if you mail your application rather than visit in person. It is recommended to apply at least 6 months before your overseas trip.

Some providers claim application processing in less than 2 weeks via express shipping.

An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation document of your driver's license in several different languages. It is used to translate your driver's license into a language that your destination country understands.

It is not a replacement for your original driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Available in 12 languages, making it easier for you to communicate with foreign officials and understand traffic signs and regulations in countries where English is not widely spoken. This added convenience and accessibility helps you navigate foreign roads more confidently.

This longer validity period is presented as useful for frequent travelers planning multiple trips and extended stays abroad, reducing the need to obtain a new International Driving Permit for every trip.

Driving without a valid license in a foreign country can result in fines, legal trouble, or other penalties. An International Driving Permit helps demonstrate that you are properly licensed in your home country when driving abroad.

Some services claim you can obtain an International Driving Permit at an affordable price without compromising on quality or service, and warn against overpriced or fake permits from unofficial providers.

Some providers offer worldwide express shipping so travelers can receive their International Driving Permit quickly and efficiently before their trip.