Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bulgaria?

Yes. Bulgaria is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1968 Vienna Convention
Permit valid up to
3 years
In force since
28 December 1978

Bulgaria and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionRatified28 December 19783 years
1949 Geneva ConventionAcceded13 February 19631 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Bulgaria

Bulgaria applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The English page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The English page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Bulgaria would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Bulgaria

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • German
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. Bulgaria appears on it.

What the road rules say in Bulgaria

The Government of Canada advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Bulgaria, for stays of up to 90 days.

Blood alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency services
general 112, police 112, ambulance 112, fire 112

Common questions about driving in Bulgaria

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Bulgaria?
Up to 3 years. Bulgaria joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 28 December 1978 by ratification, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Bulgaria on my national licence alone?
The Government of Canada states: "You can drive with a Canadian driver’s licence for up to 90 days after your arrival." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Bulgaria's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Bulgaria?
Reach general on 112, police on 112, ambulance on 112, fire on 112. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Bulgaria. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
What is the drink-drive limit in Bulgaria?
0.05% blood alcohol. That is lower than many drivers expect, and a single drink can put you over it.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Bulgaria?
No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.