Renewing an expired Romanian driving licence or getting a duplicate
In short
An expired Romanian driving licence is renewed without any exam, at any public driving licence service in the country — not just in your county of residence. You need your identity document, a medical certificate from an authorised clinic, the old licence and proof of the 89 lei fee. The new licence is delivered by post, usually within days.
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The Romanian driving licence has a limited administrative validity, and renewing it at expiry is one of the simplest procedures at the licence services: no exam, no repeated trips, delivery by post. The same file, with small differences, also covers loss, theft, damage or a change of name.
Renewal or duplicate: which is your case?
- Renewal at expiry — the licence has expired or is about to: you get a licence with a new validity period, based on the medical certificate.
- Duplicate — the licence is lost, stolen or damaged but still within its validity: you get a new document, and in the file the old licence is replaced by the loss declaration or the theft report.
- Change of details — a name change (for example after marriage) also results in a new licence being issued.
Where to book
Online booking is done on dgpci.mai.gov.ro, in the online appointments section, which takes you to the hub.mai.gov.ro platform — pick the county, service and time slot. A little-known advantage: you are not tied to your county of residence and can file at any licence service in the country, wherever you first find a free slot.
Steps to follow
- Get the medical check-up. Obtain the medical certificate (fit-to-drive attestation) from a clinic authorised for driving licence examinations, covering the category or categories you hold. It is required whenever the licence receives a new validity period.
- Pay the licence fee: 89 lei. Payment is made before submitting the file — online on ghiseul.ro or via the DGPCI platform, or through the other accepted channels. Keep the proof of payment.
- Book an online appointment. Appointments are made on dgpci.mai.gov.ro, in the online bookings section (the hub.mai.gov.ro platform). Choose whichever licence service suits you — the application can be filed at any service in the country, regardless of residence.
- Submit the file in person at the counter. Present your identity document, the original medical certificate, the old licence and proof of payment. Submission takes minutes; your photo and signature are captured on the spot.
- Receive the new licence by post. The licence is delivered by the Romanian Post courier service to your address, usually within days of submission (up to about two weeks in busy periods).
Required documents
- Application (standard form, completed at the counter or downloaded from the DGPCI website)
- Identity document, in original
- Medical certificate from an authorised clinic — required when the licence gets a new validity period
- The old driving licence (if you still have it)
- Proof of payment of the licence fee — 89 lei
- For duplicates (loss or theft): the loss declaration or proof of the police report, instead of the old licence
Costs
| What you pay | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence fee | 89 lei | Payable online (ghiseul.ro, DGPCI platform) or through accepted channels |
| Medical certificate | Variable | Set by each authorised clinic; typically tens of lei up to over a hundred |
Fees change over time. Always check the current amounts on the official websites listed under “Official sources”.
How long it takes
Submitting the file takes minutes with an online appointment. The new licence arrives by post, usually within days; in busy periods delivery can take up to about two weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with the expired licence until the new one arrives?
No. An expired licence no longer entitles you to drive, and submitting the renewal file does not substitute for a licence. You can drive again once you receive the new document.
Do I have to retake the exam if the licence expired long ago?
No. Renewing an expired Romanian licence involves no exam, no matter how much time has passed — the holder can request a licence with new validity at any time, based on the medical certificate.
Can I submit the file in a county other than my residence?
Yes. The renewal application can be filed at any public driving licence service in the country, regardless of the county you live in.
How long is the new licence valid?
The administrative validity is 10 years for the common categories (AM, A1, A2, A, B, B1, BE) and 5 years for professional categories (C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE, Tr, Tb, Tv), under Ordinance 195/2002.
What if my licence was stolen abroad?
Report the theft to the local authorities in that country and keep proof of the report. Back in Romania, request a duplicate with the usual file, where the report substitutes for the old licence.