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Check Vehicle History Report
To purchase and register a car in Romania, you need a valid passport or national ID, proof of Romanian residency (including a local address and CNP/fiscal code), and the vehicle’s legal documents. For a used car already registered in Romania, ensure you receive the Vehicle Identity Card (CIV), Registration Certificate, Fiscal Clearance Certificate, valid sale contract or invoice, and proof of a valid technical inspection (ITP).
If importing a car, you will also need the original foreign registration documents, Certificate of Conformity (COC), proof of purchase, and customs clearance documents (for non-EU imports). After purchase, the vehicle must be registered in your name within 30 days, and you must obtain Romanian liability insurance (RCA). Imported vehicles may also require an inspection by the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR).
You generally do not need a residency permit to buy a car in Romania, but you must have a Romanian tax identification number (CNP or NIF) to register the vehicle in your name. For EU citizens, obtaining a Registration Certificate (Certificat de Înregistrare) is usually sufficient to receive a CNP and complete the registration process. For non-EU citizens, including Indians, a valid temporary or permanent residence permit is typically required before obtaining a CNP/NIF and registering a vehicle.
If you are a tourist or short-term visitor, you cannot normally register a car in your personal name. In such cases, the vehicle can be registered through a trusted Romanian resident or a Romanian company (e.g., an SRL). Regardless of ownership status, you will need valid insurance (RCA), registration documents, and a valid driving licence to legally drive the vehicle in Romania.
Yes, you can import a car into Romania, but the requirements depend on whether the vehicle comes from an EU or non-EU country. In general, the car must meet at least Euro 4 emission standards, pass a technical inspection by the Romanian Auto Registry (RAR), have a clean history, and be supported by valid ownership and registration documents. EU imports are simpler, with no customs duties, while VAT may apply to new vehicles. Required documents typically include the purchase invoice, registration certificate, and Certificate of Conformity (COC).
For cars imported from outside the EU, customs duty (usually around 10%) and 19% VAT are generally payable, although exemptions may be available for individuals relocating to Romania. After arrival, the vehicle must undergo an RAR inspection, pass the mandatory technical check (ITP), and then be registered with DRPCIV to obtain Romanian license plates. A valid motorway vignette (Rovinieta) is also required before using Romanian roads.
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Romania. Every vehicle owner must have a valid RCA (Civil Auto Liability) insurance policy, which covers damage and injuries caused to third parties in an accident. Driving without valid RCA insurance is illegal and can result in penalties.
For foreign-registered vehicles, a valid Green Card international insurance certificate is required. Romanian authorities can verify insurance status electronically, and mandatory insurance rules also apply to certain high-speed electric scooters and bicycles. While RCA is compulsory, comprehensive vehicle insurance (CASCO) remains optional.
Yes. In Romania, regular vehicle inspections (ITP – Inspecția Tehnică Periodică) are mandatory by law to ensure vehicles meet safety and emissions standards. New cars require their first inspection within 3 years of initial registration, vehicles 3–12 years old must be inspected every 2 years, and vehicles over 12 years old require annual inspections.
Certain vehicles, such as taxis, rideshare, rental, and driving school cars, must undergo inspections every 6 months. A valid ITP certificate is required for legal road use, and driving without one can lead to penalties and registration issues.
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to look into the car's accident history and other background details. Some sellers include a history report with their listing, but if one isn't provided, a Vehicle History Report can be obtained through CarAgencia. Ask the seller for a service book as well, so you can confirm the car has been maintained on a regular basis. Before signing any sales contract, it is strongly advisable to have a mechanic you trust carry out a proper inspection of the vehicle.
Used Car Shopping in Romania: Tips, Paperwork and Peace of Mind
View Romania Guide