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Vehicle registration renewal in Romania

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Direcția Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor (Directorate for Driving Permits and Vehicle Registration - DRPCIV).

Renewing a vehicle registration in Romania typically involves ensuring the vehicle has a valid technical inspection (ITP), paying relevant taxes and fees, and submitting documentation to the competent authority to receive a new registration certificate.

Your timing

It is advisable for vehicle owners to start the renewal process well in advance of their current registration's expiration. This allows time for scheduling the mandatory technical inspection (ITP), which can sometimes have waiting lists, and for processing the required documents by the authorities. Processing times can vary, so starting a few weeks to a month before the expiry date is a common recommendation.

Start 30 days ahead

This accounts for potential waiting times for the mandatory technical inspection (ITP) and processing time at the DRPCIV office.

The process

  1. 1Ensure the vehicle has a valid Periodic Technical Inspection (ITP). This is a prerequisite for renewing the registration certificate.
  2. 2Pay the relevant taxes and fees, which may include the vehicle tax (impozit auto) and the cost for the new registration certificate. Details on amounts and payment methods should be confirmed with local authorities and DRPCIV.
  3. 3Gather all required documents, such as the identity document of the owner, the old registration certificate, and proof of ITP.
  4. 4Submit the complete documentation and proof of payment to the DRPCIV office in the county where the vehicle is registered.
  5. 5Receive the new registration certificate, either on the spot or by mail, depending on the specific DRPCIV office procedures.

What to bring

  • Identity document of the vehicle owner (original and copy)
  • Old registration certificate (original)
  • Proof of valid Periodic Technical Inspection (ITP)
  • Proof of payment of relevant taxes and fees (e.g., vehicle tax, registration certificate fee)
  • Application form (usually available at the DRPCIV office or for download)

Who handles it

Direcția Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor (Directorate for Driving Permits and Vehicle Registration - DRPCIV)

https://www.drpciv.ro/documente-necesare/reinnoire-certificat-de-inmatriculare

The cost typically includes a fee for the new registration certificate (e.g., around 49 RON, as of recent information) and the annual vehicle tax, which varies by vehicle type, engine capacity, and local council decisions. These amounts should be confirmed with DRPCIV and the local tax authority (primărie) at the time of renewal.

What commonly goes wrong

  • An expired or invalid Periodic Technical Inspection (ITP) will prevent the renewal of the registration certificate.
  • Ensure all taxes and fees related to the vehicle are paid up to date; outstanding payments can block the process.
  • Verify the specific requirements and office hours of the local DRPCIV service, as minor procedural differences may exist between counties.
  • Having all required documents in order, including originals and copies, can prevent delays.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

Other documents in Romania

Vehicle registration renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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