Exchange driving licence Bulgaria (2026): EU, UK, UA, TR, RU, US
EU licences stay valid in Bulgaria. Non-EU residents must exchange theirs at KAT, where the issuing country allows it, or pass the Bulgarian test.
⚖️ This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and depend on your situation: check the official sources below or ask a qualified professional.
EU, EEA and Swiss licences stay valid in Bulgaria until they expire, so you can keep driving on them and swap them at the traffic police (KAT) only if you want or need to. Non-EU licence holders who become resident must exchange their licence — possible when the issuing country is in the 1968 Vienna Convention or has an agreement with Bulgaria — or pass the Bulgarian theory and driving tests.
Which rules apply to my licence?
| Licence | What happens in Bulgaria |
|---|---|
| EU / EEA / Swiss | Recognised until expiry. Optional exchange at KAT; KAT first checks with the issuing state that it isn’t restricted or suspended. |
| UK | Non-EU since Brexit. The UK is a Vienna Convention party, so UK government guidance says a test-free exchange is possible once you are resident. |
| Ukraine | Vienna Convention party. An EU regulation allows people under temporary protection to drive on a valid Ukrainian licence without translation or permit for as long as their temporary protection lasts (in Bulgaria currently to 4 March 2027). |
| Turkey | Vienna Convention party; exchange possible after you become resident. A certified translation may be requested. |
| Russia | Vienna Convention party, but KAT may verify the licence with the issuing state — expect delays. Cyrillic licences need a translation. |
| USA | Not in the 1968 Vienna Convention. Sources conflict; plan for a possible Bulgarian test. |
What documents does KAT ask for?
The MVR service page lists your Bulgarian identity document (for foreigners, the residence card) and a copy of the foreign licence. Other guides add:
- the original foreign licence (often kept and sent back to the issuing country),
- a medical fitness certificate from a GP or medical commission,
- a declaration that you don’t live in another EU country or hold another EU licence,
- a certified Bulgarian translation where needed, photos and proof of fee payment.
Where do I apply in Varna?
At the driving-licence counter of KAT (Sector Traffic Police) of the Varna regional Ministry of Interior directorate. We could not confirm the current counter address and hours online — check mvr.bg or call the directorate before you go, and bring Bulgarian help if your Bulgarian is basic.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
The 2026 fee in euro is not confirmed. Check the current fee on the MVR service page before you go. Budget extra for the medical certificate, photos and translation. A simple exchange usually takes a few weeks.
Unverified points to check
- How long you may drive on a non-EU licence after becoming resident — ask KAT.
- Whether your country has a bilateral agreement with Bulgaria — ask KAT or your consulate.
Tips
- Sort out your residence first: see residence, address and tax ID for non-EU citizens or EU citizens’ residence.
- Don’t let your foreign licence expire — an expired one generally can’t be exchanged.
- Put it on your first 30 days in Varna checklist.
Sources
- Ministry of Interior (MVR) – Replacing a driving licence
- MVR – Replacing a foreign driving licence with a Bulgarian one
- Your Europe – Driving licence exchange and recognition
- Netherlands Worldwide – Exchanging a licence in Bulgaria
- GOV.UK – Living in Bulgaria (driving)
- Wikiprocedure – Bulgaria: convert or exchange a foreign driver licence
- European Commission – Q&A on temporary EU rules for Ukrainian driving documents
- Wikipedia – Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (list of parties)
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to exchange my EU driving licence in Bulgaria?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss licences are recognised until they expire. You can swap voluntarily at KAT once you are resident, and you must swap if the licence is lost, stolen or damaged.
How long can I drive in Bulgaria on a non-EU licence?
Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence (with an international permit or translation where needed). Once you become a resident, you need to exchange it or take the Bulgarian test; we could not confirm the deadline on an official page, so ask KAT.
Can I exchange a US licence without a test?
Unclear. The US is not a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, and guides disagree on whether KAT exchanges US licences test-free. Ask KAT in writing and be ready to take the Bulgarian tests.
Do I need a translation of my licence?
Usually only if it is not in Latin script or not in a format KAT reads easily. Cyrillic, Arabic or other non-Latin licences generally need a certified Bulgarian translation.
