UK licence Bulgaria
UK licence 
BulgariaDriving in Bulgaria with a UK license
Short answer: to drive in Bulgaria with a UK license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your UK license.
Bring an IDP
Yes — to drive in Bulgaria on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Bulgaria expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
Convention basisBulgaria uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
At the rental deskAn e-vignette is needed for highways; desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
CarryCarry BOTH your UK national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25
Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)
FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits
Last verified June 2026Source: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968
UK drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence; some countries recognise the 1949 version and others the 1968 version. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.
Driving rules in Bulgaria
- Electronic vignette required on national roads.
- Headlights on day and night.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Reflective vest and triangle mandatory.
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Bulgaria with a UK license?
to drive in Bulgaria with a UK license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your UK license. Bulgaria uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
02
Is my UK driver's license valid in Bulgaria?
Yes — to drive in Bulgaria on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Bulgaria expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
03
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Bulgaria?
Yes — to drive in Bulgaria on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Bulgaria expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
04
Can I rent a car in Bulgaria with a UK license?
An e-vignette is needed for highways; desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
05
What IDP format does Bulgaria accept?
Bulgaria uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
06
How do I get an International Driving Permit for Bulgaria?
An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing UK license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva / 1968 Vienna format Bulgaria uses — carried alongside your UK license.
07
Do I still carry my UK license?
Carry BOTH your UK national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
100% money-back guarantee
Full refund if your permit is ever declined.
Unlimited replacements
Lost or damaged? Re-download or reprint, free.
24/7 support
Help before and during your trip, any hour.