12/11/2002
Embarking on the journey of car ownership in a new country can often feel like deciphering an ancient scroll. When it comes to registering a vehicle in Romania, particularly one brought in from abroad, the process requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to specific local regulations. This guide is crafted to illuminate each step, ensuring you navigate the Romanian registration system with confidence, transforming potential hurdles into manageable milestones. Whether you've just moved or are considering bringing your beloved vehicle into the country, understanding these procedures is paramount for legal compliance and peace of mind.
The Romanian legal framework stipulates clear guidelines for vehicle registration, especially concerning foreign cars. A critical piece of information to grasp from the outset is the 90-day rule. If you have established your legal residency or domicile in Romania, your right to circulate a vehicle registered in another state is strictly limited to a period of 90 days from the date the vehicle entered the country. Exceeding this period without initiating the permanent registration process can lead to significant penalties, including fines and the suspension of your registration and licence plates. Therefore, prompt action is not just advised; it's mandatory.
- Understanding the Mandate: Why Register?
- The Crucial First Step: Document Translation
- Temporary Registration: Getting 'Red Numbers'
- The Romanian Automotive Register (RAR) & Technical Inspection (ITP)
- Permanent Registration: The Final Hurdles
- Post-Registration: Declaring Your Vehicle for Tax Purposes
- Roadworthiness (ITP) & Its Validity
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does the entire registration process typically take?
- Can I drive my foreign car indefinitely if I don't establish legal residency in Romania?
- What happens if I fail to register my foreign car within the legal term after changing my residence?
- Is a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) always required for foreign car registration?
- Where can I find the application forms for registration?
- Conclusion
Understanding the Mandate: Why Register?
The core reason for registration is to integrate your vehicle into the national transport registry, ensuring it meets Romanian safety and environmental standards, and is subject to local taxation. This process is overseen primarily by the General Directorate for Driving Licenses and Car Registration (DRPCIV) and the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR). Both entities play pivotal roles in verifying your vehicle's authenticity and roadworthiness.
The Crucial First Step: Document Translation
Before you can even think about submitting your registration file, every single document pertaining to your vehicle's origin and ownership must be meticulously translated into Romanian. This isn't just a suggestion; it’s an absolute legal requirement. The translations must be legalised by an authorised translation office. This crucial step ensures that all foreign-issued documents are officially recognised and understood by the Romanian authorities. Key documents that will undoubtedly require translation and legalisation include:
- The car’s identity card from its country of origin.
- The vehicle's title deed.
- The original registration certificate.
When you attend the DRPCIV with your registration file, it's imperative to have both the original property documents and their legalised Romanian translations. Skipping this step will result in immediate rejection of your application.
Temporary Registration: Getting 'Red Numbers'
To bridge the gap between your vehicle's entry into Romania and its final permanent registration, you can obtain a temporary registration, often referred to as 'red numbers'. This temporary permit allows you to legally drive your foreign-registered car on Romanian public roads for a limited period, typically 30 days. It's an essential step, especially if you need to move the vehicle for inspections or other procedures before permanent plates are issued.
To secure these temporary plates, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- The official application form, which can be downloaded from the DRPCIV’s official website.
- A copy of your mandatory auto civil liability insurance contract (RCA). This insurance is non-negotiable for any vehicle on Romanian roads.
- The original and a copy of the documents attesting to vehicle ownership, both in their original language and their legalised Romanian translation.
- Original and copy of the registration documents issued by the foreign authorities where the vehicle was previously registered.
- Your identity document (original and copy).
- Proof of payment for the temporary authorisation fee (currently 13 RON).
- Proof of payment for the temporary car plates fee (currently 40 RON).
These fees, along with all other car registration-related charges, offer multiple payment avenues. You can pay online via gișeul.ro or the official DRPCIV’s website, at any SelfPay Payment Stations across the country, in cash at the local State Treasury, or into dedicated accounts opened at CEC Bank.
The Romanian Automotive Register (RAR) & Technical Inspection (ITP)
Regardless of whether your vehicle originates from an EU or non-EU member country, the next indispensable step is to secure an appointment with the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR). The RAR’s role is critical; they will issue the vehicle identity card (CIV) after a thorough approval process and perform the first periodic technical inspection (ITP). This comprehensive RAR verification serves to certify the authenticity of the vehicle, ensuring it meets all Romanian and European standards. Scheduling this appointment in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.
Obtaining the necessary RAR and ITP authorisations typically costs around 650 RON for a standard car. For this essential procedure, you will need:
- Your identity document.
- The RAR activity request form, which is completed on-site with the assistance of a RAR employee.
- The car’s registration document from its country of origin.
- The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by the vehicle manufacturer. This document is vital as it certifies that your vehicle complies with the standards and requirements established by the European Council, thus allowing it to circulate within the European Union.
Permanent Registration: The Final Hurdles
With all the necessary documents from RAR in hand, you are now ready for the final, permanent registration of your vehicle in Romania. This step also requires a prior online appointment via the DRPCIV's official website, specifically for the county where you reside. This is where your vehicle officially receives its Romanian identity and permanent licence plates.
For permanent registration, ensure you have the following extensive list of documents:
- The registration application form. If there are other individuals to be listed on the registration certificate (e.g., co-owners), their details must also be included.
- Proof of registration with the local tax office – specifically, the tax attestation certificate. This confirms your vehicle is officially declared for local taxation.
- Proof of payment for the registration certificate fee (currently 49 RON).
- Your original identity document.
- A copy of the RCA insurance contract, valid and issued in the name of the vehicle owner.
- The original and a copy of the document certifying the right of ownership, which must be registered in the Registry of means of transport subject to registration in Romania (typically at the town hall).
- The Vehicle Identity Card (CIV) from RAR, original and copy.
- The Certificate of Authenticity of the vehicle, also issued by RAR.
- Proof of having undergone the periodic technical inspection (ITP), ensuring it is within its validity period.
- The original registration documents issued by the foreign authorities.
- The foreign plates with the registration number.
- Proof of payment for the registration number plates. This costs 40 RON for randomly assigned numbers or 90 RON if you opt for preferential (custom) numbers.
Post-Registration: Declaring Your Vehicle for Tax Purposes
Once your vehicle is officially registered with the DRPCIV, your responsibilities aren't quite over. A crucial final step is to declare the vehicle in the tax records of the local tax office responsible for local taxes, specifically in the area where you reside. This declaration ensures your vehicle is properly included in the local tax records, and you correctly pay the local vehicle tax. Failing to complete this step can lead to penalties or complications regarding your vehicle’s legal standing in Romania. It’s a vital administrative action to maintain full compliance.
Roadworthiness (ITP) & Its Validity
The Periodic Technical Inspection (ITP) is a cornerstone of road safety in Romania. Once your vehicle passes this test, the inspector will update the annex to your vehicle registration certificate with the due date of the next inspection and issue a certificate detailing the results. For new vehicles registered for the first time in Romania, the DRPCIV adds this initial ITP date to the annex.
Roadworthiness is visually attested by a coloured sticker applied to the front licence plate for most vehicles, or the back licence plate for trailers, two- or three-wheeled vehicles, and quadricycles. The colour of this sticker corresponds to the year in which the roadworthiness expires. Importantly, the sticker must be displayed with the month when a new roadworthiness test is due positioned at the top. You can verify the validity of an ITP via the 'Verificare ITP' link on the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR) website.
ITP Test Frequency
| Category of Vehicle (or description) | First Mandatory Test (New Vehicles) | Subsequent Tests (Frequency) |
|---|---|---|
| (M1) Vehicles with eight seats or fewer | Within three years of first registration | Every two years until twelve years, then every year |
| (M1) Vehicles with eight seats or fewer used for driving lessons | Within one year after first registration | Every six months |
| (L1e, L2e, L3e, L4e, L5e, L6e, L7e) Mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles (max speed > 25 km/h) | Within two years after first registration | Every two years |
| (M2, M3) Vehicles with more than eight seats, M1 vehicles used as taxis or for chartered transport, (M2, M3) vehicles with more than eight seats used for driving lessons | Within one year of first registration | Every six months |
| Motor caravans with fewer than eight passenger seats | Within four years of first registration | Every two years until twelve years, then every year |
| Goods vehicles (N2, N3), trailers, semi-trailers (O3, O4) and tractors weighing > 3 500 kg | Within one year of first registration | Every year |
| Goods vehicles weighing no more than 3 500 kg (N1) | Within two years of first registration | Every year |
| Self-propelled machinery and works machines (max speed > 25 km/h) | Within two years of first registration | Every two years |
| Trailers and semi-trailers weighing no more than 3 500 kg (O1, O2) | Within two years of first registration | Every two years |
| Trailers and semi-trailers weighing no more than 3 500 kg for carriage of dangerous goods (O1, O2) | Within one year of first registration | Every year |
| Trailers and semi-trailers designated to transport bees and caravans weighing no more than 3 500 kg | Within three years of first registration | Every three years |
| Tractors weighing no more than 3 500 kg | Within two years of first registration | Every two years |
Certain vehicles are exempt from the periodic technical inspection, specifically those with a maximum design speed lower than 25 km/h.
Roadworthiness tests are carried out either by RAR county representative offices or by private operators who have been duly authorised by the RAR. Upon successful completion of a test, inspectors from these authorised bodies are responsible for completing the vehicle’s registration document.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the entire registration process typically take?
The duration can vary significantly based on your ability to gather documents, secure appointments, and the current workload of the DRPCIV and RAR. From start to finish, assuming no delays, it could take several weeks to a few months. The temporary registration (red numbers) bridges the gap for about 30 days.
Can I drive my foreign car indefinitely if I don't establish legal residency in Romania?
If you have not established legal residency or domicile in Romania, your right to circulate a vehicle registered in another state is not explicitly limited. However, if you *have* established legal residency, the right is strictly limited to 90 days from the vehicle's entry date.
What happens if I fail to register my foreign car within the legal term after changing my residence?
Failure to register your foreign car within the stipulated legal term (90 days after establishing residency) will most likely result in significant fines and, crucially, the suspension of your vehicle's registration and licence plates. This means your vehicle will no longer be legal to drive on Romanian roads.
Is a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) always required for foreign car registration?
Yes, for registering a foreign car in Romania, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by the vehicle manufacturer is generally a mandatory document. It proves that your vehicle meets the necessary European Union standards for circulation.
Where can I find the application forms for registration?
Application forms for both temporary and permanent registration can typically be found and downloaded from the official website of the Directorate for Driving Licenses and Car Registration (DRPCIV).
Conclusion
Registering a vehicle in Romania, particularly a foreign one, is a multi-step process that demands thoroughness and patience. From the initial, mandatory translation of documents to securing temporary plates, undergoing the rigorous RAR inspection, and finally achieving permanent registration and tax declaration, each stage is vital for ensuring your vehicle's legal standing. Adhering to the 90-day rule for foreign vehicles when establishing residency is paramount to avoid penalties. While this article offers a comprehensive guide, remember that individual situations may vary. It is always prudent to conduct your own research and, if necessary, consult directly with the appropriate Romanian authorities to ensure all specific requirements for your circumstances are met. Once your vehicle is legally registered, considering additional insurance like CASCO, especially for new or valuable cars, can provide an extra layer of financial protection against unforeseen damages or loss, offering comprehensive coverage beyond the mandatory civil liability insurance.
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