Romania is a great country for a road trip, or as a place to just rent a car for a few days and explore. From the countryside roads in Transylvania to the Carpathian mountain passes, there is so much to see in Romania that you can only access by car. Driving in Romania opens up exploring parts of the country that trains and buses can’t access.
But before renting a car or crossing into Romania with your own vehicle, there’s one question that comes up constantly:
Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Romania?
The short answer is: maybe.
Whether you need an IDP in Romania depends mostly on which country issued your driver’s license and whether you plan to rent a car or drive across borders.
What Is an IDP?
An IDP (International Driving Permit) is essentially a translation document for your existing driver’s license.
It is not a standalone license.
You still need to carry:
- Your original driver’s license
- Passport or government ID
- International Driving Permit (if applicable)
Showing only an IDP without your actual license won’t be enough.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Romania?
If your license was issued in an EU or EEA country, you do not need an International Driving Permit to drive in Romania. That includes travelers from countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and other European countries whose licenses are recognized locally.
If you’re visiting Romania from outside the EU or EEA, including most neighboring Balkan countries, things become more nuanced. Travelers from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and several others can often legally drive using only their domestic license during a short tourist stay, per the U.S. Embassy. However, the majority of Romanian rental companies still recommend or require an International Driving Permit in addition to your normal license. Therefore, it’s best to not go by your country’s requirements and instead look into the rental agency you choose to rent a vehicle from.
If obtaining an IDP in your home country is simple and inexpensive, I’d just get one before your trip. It removes uncertainty, is only $20, and takes up no space in your bag.
Before booking, I’d also confirm the following with your rental agency:
- Minimum age requirements
- Cross-border driving policies
- If you can drop your car off in another location (if applicable)
- Insurance conditions
How to Get an IDP for Your Romania Trip
In the United States, IDPs are issued exclusively through the American Automobile Association (AAA).
AAA offers two main ways to get your IDP depending on how quickly you need it and whether you prefer convenience or in-person service.
1. Apply Online
You can start your application through AAA’s official IDP portal, where you submit your personal details, a copy of your valid U.S. driver’s license, and a passport-style photo. Once processed, your IDP is printed and mailed to you within 10 to 15 days.
2. Obtain Your IDP In Person at a Local AAA Office
Alternatively, you can visit a nearby AAA branch with your completed application, physical license, and passport photos. In-person applications are processed the same day, making it the fastest option if you’re close to your departure date.
Driving From Romania Into Other Balkan Countries
One reason Romania works so well for road trips is because it connects naturally into the Balkans and other neighboring countries
A lot of travelers continue onward into (or come from):
- Hungary
- Bulgaria
- Serbia
- North Macedonia
- Greece
If that’s your plan, definitely check requirements country by country. If renting in Romania, some agencies either won’t allow you to cross borders or, and all will likely charge an extra fee. Your Romanian rental agreement may restrict which specific countries you can enter or require advance approval and extra insurance.
IDP requirements can also differ once you leave Romania. So for instance, you may not need an IDP in Romania, but you may need one in Bulgaria. If you’re planning a multi-country route, this is one of those details worth sorting out before arriving, because border officials will ask for your IDP if it’s required.
Other Driving Rules to Know in Romania
Beyond your license requirements, there are a few practical things to know regarding driving in Romania:
- Romania drives on the right side of the road,
- Headlights are required outside urban areas.
- Romania uses a road toll system called the vignette, or rovinietă, for many national roads. Rental vehicles often include this already but verify before leaving the lot.
- Road conditions vary, with heavily frequented highways generally being in good condition. Countryside roads can be pothole central.
- In rural areas, beware of stray dogs, cattle, and carriages on the roads.
- People often pass aggressively. Don’t be scared to do the same if you’re behind a slow-moving truck, but be careful and only pass when legal and safe.
If you’re looking for a reliable rental car agency in Romania, I can recommend WLC. I picked up my car in Timisoara before traversing Transylvania for about a week and eventually dropping it off in Brasov. They were very professional, flexible with pick-up and drop-off, and it was only about $60 USD per day for the car.
