- IDP is a legalized translation of the Romanian license.
- Issued by Automobil Club of Romania (ACR); same-day issuance possible.
- The IDP costs 800 lei; translations may cost more.
- Valid for one year or until the national license expires; carry both documents.
Traveling outside the European Union with your personal or rental car requires extra documentary preparation. The International Driving Permit (IDP) becomes mandatory in many non-EU countries, and lacking it can lead to substantial fines or even the inability to drive legally.
In this guide we cover everything you need to know about the IDP: when it’s required, how to obtain it, what the costs are, and the risks involved in not having this document.
What is the International Driving Permit
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legalized translation of the Romanian national driving license into seven languages used in international traffic. This document is recognized by all signatory states of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968. The document has the same form and content in all countries, which eases its recognition by foreign authorities. The IDP does not replace the national license, but it complements it; you must have both documents with you when driving abroad.
When you need the IDP
- Travel to non-EU countries that do not recognize European licenses
- Car rental in destinations where rental companies often require this document
- Extended stays in countries where the European permit is not valid
Checking the Need for the IDP
Before you travel, check if the destination country requires the IDP by consulting the list of signatory states of the Vienna Convention 1968. If the country is not on the list, look for more information on the official sites of the embassies or consulates.
Cost of the IDP
The fee for issuing the International Driving Permit is 800 lei.
- The cost of an authorized translation abroad can exceed this amount
- Fines for driving without proper documents can be very high
- The time wasted dealing with documentation issues abroad
How to obtain the IDP
The IDP is issued by the Automobil Club of Romania (ACR), being the only authorized institution for this procedure in Romania.
Documents required
- The national license in original and a copy
- 2 passport-style photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background)
- The fee of 800 lei
- The completed application at the ACR offices
Issuance procedure
- Submitting documents at one of the ACR offices in the country
- Verification of documents by ACR staff
- Payment of the fee
- Issuance of the IDP — usually the same day
Validity of the IDP
The IDP has a validity of one year from the date of issue, with one important condition: if the Romanian national license expires earlier, the IDP loses validity at the same time.
Important validity aspects
- Check the expiration date of the national license before traveling
- Renew the national license if necessary before applying for the IDP
- Plan ahead for long trips
Risks of driving without the IDP
Absence of the IDP in countries where it is mandatory can have serious consequences:
Penalties and fines
- Substantial fines - varies by country
- Vehicle seizure in extreme cases
- Driving ban in that territory
- Insurance issues - some policies do not cover incidents without proper documents
Practical problems
- Inability to rent a car
- Complications with local authorities
- Additional costs for on-site authorized translations
- Travel delays due to documentation problems
Useful tips for using the IDP
Before departure
- Check the validity of both licenses
- Make copies of documents and keep them separately
- Inform yourself about the traffic rules in the destination country
- Contact your insurer to verify coverage abroad
During the trip
- Always keep both the national and international licenses together
- Respect speed limits and local rules — fines for foreigners can be higher
- Have the phone numbers of the Romanian embassy/consulate at hand
Alternatives to the IDP
Authorized translation
In some countries, instead of the IDP you can use an authorized translation of the national license. This option can be cheaper but has drawbacks:
- Limited recognition - not all authorities accept translations
- Uncertain validity - depends on local law
- Risk of dispute by authorities
Conclusion
The International Driving Permit is an important investment for the safety and legality of your car travels outside the EU. Although the 800 lei cost may seem high, it is quickly offset by avoiding problems and additional costs abroad.
Plan ahead for obtaining the IDP, check the validity of documents, and inform yourself about the country-specific requirements of the destination. A valid IDP gives you peace of mind and the flexibility to explore the world by car or with a rental, without fear of penalties or legal complications.
