Skip to content
World Driving Permit

🇧🇬 Do you need an IDP to drive in Bulgaria?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Bulgaria, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Bulgaria follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Bulgaria: the rule explained

Bulgaria is an EU member and a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so it recognises a 1968-format International Driving Permit presented alongside your home licence. A non-EU visitor can legally drive a rental car on a valid national licence for a short tourist stay, but an IDP is strongly recommended because Bulgaria uses the Cyrillic alphabet and police or rental staff may not read a foreign-script licence.

Exemption: Bulgaria is an EU member state, so licences issued by any EU/EEA country (and Switzerland) are fully valid with no IDP required.

Renting a car in Bulgaria

Most Bulgarian rental desks accept a valid national licence plus passport, but many require or strongly prefer an IDP for non-EU customers, and the licence usually must have been held for at least one year.

Motorcycles & scooters: To rent or ride a motorcycle you must hold the matching motorcycle category (A/A1/A2) on your licence and IDP, and a helmet is mandatory.

What to carry when driving in Bulgaria

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • IDP recommended if your licence is non-photo or in non-Latin script
  • Vignette (toll sticker) required for Bulgarian national roads and motorways
Print / save this checklist (PDF)

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Bulgaria: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bulgaria?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Bulgaria, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Bulgaria follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Bulgaria is an EU member and a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so it recognises a 1968-format International Driving Permit presented alongside your home licence. A non-EU visitor can legally drive a rental car on a valid national licence for a short tourist stay, but an IDP is strongly recommended because Bulgaria uses the Cyrillic alphabet and police or rental staff may not read a foreign-script licence.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Bulgaria?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Bulgaria read your licence, but where Bulgaria requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Bulgaria?
Most Bulgarian rental desks accept a valid national licence plus passport, but many require or strongly prefer an IDP for non-EU customers, and the licence usually must have been held for at least one year.
Which IDP convention does Bulgaria use?
Bulgaria recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Bulgaria?
Because Bulgaria follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Bulgaria from your country

Requirements for other countries