International Driving Permit for Bulgaria
Bulgaria drives on the right, and its roads climb from Black Sea beaches up into the forested Balkan and Rila mountains. A vignette (electronic toll sticker) is required to use motorways and main roads, and dipped headlights must be used at all times, even during daylight.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Bulgaria?
Visitors from outside the EU/EEA are advised to carry an International Driving Permit in Bulgaria, since national licences are issued in Cyrillic and an IDP provides an accepted translation.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 17 years
- Region
- Europe
- IDP
- Recommended
Local languages: Bulgarian
Driving in Bulgaria: key facts
- Motorway use requires a valid electronic vignette, purchasable online or at borders and petrol stations.
- Dipped headlights are mandatory day and night across the country.
- Bulgaria enforces a low blood alcohol limit of 0.05%, with strict penalties for offenders.
How to get your IDP for Bulgaria
Getting your International Driving Permit for Bulgaria takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Bulgaria.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Bulgaria
Do I need an IDP to drive in Bulgaria?
EU and EEA licences are accepted directly, but visitors from other countries are advised to carry an International Driving Permit because Bulgarian documents use the Cyrillic script and an IDP translates your licence.
Can I rent a car in Bulgaria with a foreign licence?
Yes, rental firms accept a valid foreign licence, and non-EU visitors are encouraged to present an IDP alongside it.
What side of the road does Bulgaria drive on?
Bulgaria drives on the right-hand side of the road, consistent with the rest of continental Europe.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Bulgaria?
The minimum driving age is 17, but rental companies generally require drivers to be at least 21 and may apply a young-driver fee.
Other countries in Europe
International Driving Permit for Bulgaria
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