International Driving Permit in Bulgaria

Get an easy International Driver's License for your travel in Bulgaria

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Valid from 1 to 3 years
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Where to get an International Driving Permit in Bulgaria?

Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Bulgaria is straightforward if you hold a valid Bulgaria national driver's license. For those planning a visit to Bulgaria, it is advisable to contact the relevant authority in your home country to secure an IDP before departure. However, if you are already traveling and do not possess the IDP, you may opt to have your national driver's license translated online. This method offers a quicker, more convenient, and efficient way to ensure you can legally drive during your travels.

The International Driving Permit is a translation of the national driving license into many languages. The first ID cards appeared in 1926, after the Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic. The International Driving Permit was also influenced by two other conventions in 1949 and 1968. The International Driving Permit is the same as the International Driving License.

We remind you that the IDP works only with a valid national license.

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How to obtain an International Driving Permit in Bulgaria online?

Simply and quickly

To get the International Driving Permit (IDP), you should apply and then fill out the form for which you need to give us:

1. A photo of your valid domestic driving license
2. Your personal data
3. A photo of yourself
4. Your signature (scan or photo it)

Our services will not cost you a fortune.
Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) now and travel easily.

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How to get an International Driving Permit in Bulgaria?

According to the Vienna Convention of 1968, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are authorized to be issued by national governments or designated organizations. In most countries, this function is carried out by automobile associations affiliated with the AIT/FIA, the police, or other authorized entities. To obtain an International Driving Permit in Bulgaria, you must possess a local license and apply to the relevant authorities here (please notify us if the link is not working). The cost and processing time for an IDP vary by country.

If you hold a national license not issued in Bulgaria, you must verify if your license permits you to drive and if you require an IDP. If an IDP is necessary, the only option is to order a translation of your driver's license, available either via delivery or as an electronic version (confirm with the rental car company if an electronic version is acceptable), for example, through our services.

For U.S. citizens with only a U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP from AAA, but it must be done before traveling to Bulgaria.!

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FAQ

How to get an International Driving Permit in Bulgaria?

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If you have a local license and want to travel, contact a competent organization. If you are an American and plan to travel in advance, you can get an IDP from AAA. In other cases, you can have your driver's license translated into the required languages so that you can travel with your national license and its translation.

How to apply for International Driving Permit?

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Our application process is fast and simple. Complete the IDP application form, attach a copy of your valid driver's license, your handwritten signature and a color ID photo, and make the payment. You can apply for an IDP online here.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Bulgaria?

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Bulgaria has unified its driving license in accordance with the 1968 Vienna Convention. If you have a driver's license from one of the 67 countries that did the same, you do NOT need an International Driving Permit to drive in Bulgaria. Drivers from other countries not on the list need an International Driving Permit, unless there is an additional agreement between Bulgaria and the country that issued your driver's licence about special conditions.

Can I drive in Bulgaria with a US license?

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You can only drive in Bulgaria with your driver's license if you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Additional information for traveling U.S. citizens can be found on the government website.

Сan an American drive in Bulgaria?

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To drive an American in Bulgaria, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Additional information for traveling U.S. citizens can be found on the government website.

What is the International Driver's Document?

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Our IDD is ideal for travelers visiting multilingual destinations. No test is required, and the IDD is valid for up to three years. This document is used in conjunction with, but does not replace, your valid national license; it is a translation of your driver’s license in three formats.

Can I rent a car with this document?

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Usually, yes. However, as requirements vary from region to region, you are advised to inquire directly with car rental companies.

Can I purchase car insurance with the IDD?

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Usually, yes. However, as requirements vary from region to region, you are advised to inquire directly with local insurances companies.

What do you need to know to drive in Bulgaria?

The research was last conducted in March 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic
- Bulgaria is a contracting party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, having acceded on 13 February 1963. [1]
- Bulgaria acceded to the 1968 Convention on 28 December 1978. [2]
Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Bulgaria recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) both 1-year (1949 Convention) and 3-year (1968 Convention). [3]
- Also Bulgaria recognizes IDP according to the 1926 International Convention, valid for 1 year. [3]
- All licenses issued in the European Union are accepted. [4]
Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

For non-residents:
- Foreign driving licenses must be accompanied by a legalized translation in Bulgarian or an international driver's license/permit (IDL/IDP). [5]
- You can drive as a tourist in Bulgaria (for a maximum of 3 months). [5]
For residents:
- EU/EEA licenses are valid indefinitely in Bulgaria. [4]
- A resident foreigner who does not have a driving licence issued by an EU member state/EEA or Switzerland may drive in Bulgaria for up to one year. [7]
For EU/EEA license holders:

A driving licence issued by a member state of the EEA is recognised throughout the EEA and can be used as long as it is valid. [4]
If your driving licence expires during a trip abroad, it automatically becomes invalid and may not be recognised in other countries. [4]
The exception is for those holding EEA driving licences issued in exchange for a non-EEA licence. [4]
You can exchange your driving license for a Bulgarian driving license only if you physically reside in Bulgaria for 6 months. [7]

Source links:

Travel SIM card:

SIM Card for traveling in Bulgaria

Driving tips for Bulgaria:

In Bulgaria, the minimum age for obtaining a driver's license is 18.
There are the following speed limits on the roads of the country: 50 km/h - in built-up areas, 90 km/h - outside built-up areas, 130 km/h - on the highway.
Seat belts are mandatory for everybody but pregnant women.
Children under 2 years old should be transported in a special child restraint in the front seat. It’s prohibited to transport children under 3 years old in cars not equipped with restraints.
Drunk driving is prohibited. The maximum permissible blood alcohol content is 0.05 ppm.
Road signs in Bulgaria comply with modern European standards. The main routes are duplicated in Cyrillic and Latin.
If you are going to visit Bulgaria, don’t forget to take a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a warning triangle and a reflective jacket.
You are not allowed to talk on the phone if there is no wireless headset in the car.
Radar detectors are forbidden in Bulgaria. If your navigator is equipped with the function of detecting road sections with fixed cameras, turn it off.
In accordance with the latest innovations, it is forbidden to wear sunglasses, stilettos, flip-flops, to eat and smoke while driving.
During the winter period (from the 1st of November to the 1st of March) drivers are required to drive with dipped headlights on. In addition, the presence of winter tires is mandatory.