At a glance
- Total time
- Exchange within about 1 year of residence
- Official fees
- A state fee
- Where
- Traffic Police (KAT)
- Bulgarian needed?
- Translation for non-EU licences
Whether you need a Bulgarian driving licence depends on where yours was issued. EU licences are valid as they are. Most other licences must be exchanged after you become a resident. Exchanges are handled by the Traffic Police (KAT) of the Ministry of Interior.
At a glance
| Your licence | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Issued in the EU or EEA | Nothing. It is valid in Bulgaria until it expires. You can exchange it if you want |
| Non-EU, from a country in the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic or with an agreement with Bulgaria | You can drive on it for a limited time after you get residence, usually up to 1 year, then exchange it without a test |
| Non-EU, from other countries | You may have to take the Bulgarian theory and driving tests |
How to exchange a licence
- Go to the Traffic Police (KAT) office for the region where you live.
- Bring your foreign licence, your Bulgarian residence card, a Bulgarian translation of the licence if it is not from the EU, a medical certificate if asked, and a photo if needed.
- Pay the fee and hand in your old licence. KAT may check it with the country that issued it, which can take time.
Ask KAT for the exact document list before you go. Practice differs between offices, and requirements have changed in recent years.
Driving in Bulgaria
- You need an electronic vignette for motorways and most main roads outside towns. Buy it online before you drive.
- Dipped headlights are required in daytime during winter months.
- The alcohol limit is low. Don’t drink and drive.
- Carry your licence, the car’s registration document, proof of insurance and your ID.
Common mistakes
- Driving for years on a non-EU licence after getting residence. Your insurance may not cover you.
- Forgetting the vignette.
Sources
- Ministry of Interior, Traffic Police: replacing a driving licence
- Your Europe: using an EU driving licence in another EU country
- BG TOLL: buying an e-vignette
General information, not legal advice. Exchange rules depend on the country that issued your licence: confirm with KAT before you go.