How to Register a Car in Romania: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registering a car in Romania is a necessary step for anyone who brings a vehicle into the country or buys one locally. While the process can feel administrative, it follows a clear path once you know the documents and where to go. This guide walks you through each stage, from preparing paperwork to driving away with new plates.

Gather the required documents

Before heading to the registration office, make sure you have all necessary papers. The exact list can vary slightly depending on whether the car is new, used, imported, or already registered in Romania. In general, you will need:

• Proof of ownership: a sales contract, invoice, or customs declaration.
• Identity document: your passport or Romanian ID card.
• Proof of address in Romania: a rental contract, utility bill, or residence certificate.
• Vehicle technical inspection certificate (ITP) if required, especially for older cars.
• Proof of valid motor insurance (RCA).
• Previous registration documents, if the car was registered elsewhere.
• Receipt showing payment of any applicable taxes or duties.

It is wise to make photocopies of everything, though the office may also make them for a small administrative cost. Check with the local office ahead of time to confirm the exact requirements for your situation, as they can differ by county.

Visit the DRPCIV office

Vehicle registration in Romania is handled by the Direcția Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor (DRPCIV), which operates offices in most larger towns and cities. You usually need to go in person, though some preliminary steps can be done online. Expect to spend a few hours there, especially if the office is busy. Arrive early to get a queue number.

At the counter, present your documents. The clerk will check them and may ask for additional proof of address or ownership. If everything is in order, you will be asked to pay the registration fee. Payment can often be made by card at the office or at a nearby bank or post office, depending on the location.

Pay the fees and taxes

There are several costs associated with car registration: the actual registration fee, the cost of new number plates, and possibly a one-time tax if the car is being registered in Romania for the first time. The amounts are set by law and change periodically, so it is best to check the current rates before you go. Keep all receipts, as you will need to show proof of payment.

Receive your plates and registration certificate

Once payment is confirmed, you will be issued a registration certificate (certificat de înmatriculare) and a set of number plates. The plates are typically handed to you on the spot or within a short waiting period. You will also receive a small sticker or document showing that the car has valid insurance and technical inspection.

Fix the plates to your car immediately, as driving without them is not allowed. Check that the registration certificate matches the vehicle identification number (VIN) on your car. If you have an older car, you may also need to display a vignette or proof of tax on the windscreen, depending on current rules.

After registration

Keep your registration certificate in the car at all times, along with your insurance documents. If you move house or change your name, you must update the registration details within a set period. Similarly, if you sell the car, the new owner must re-register it in their name; you should notify the authorities to avoid being held liable for future fines.

Registering a car is one of those bureaucratic tasks that feels daunting at first, but with the right paperwork and a little patience, it is perfectly manageable. Many expats and new residents find that doing it once makes the next time much easier.