Is my driving licence valid in Bulgaria — and when do I need to exchange it?

EU driving licences are recognised throughout the EU; if you move to Bulgaria you generally do not need to exchange yours, though a voluntary exchange is possible. Licences from non-EU countries that are parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic — including Russia — can be exchanged for a Bulgarian licence without a theory or driving test; the traffic police (Patna Politsia) handle the procedure, with processing taking up to 30 days. You will need, among other things, a medical certificate and a valid Bulgarian ID document. Details and links in our residency guide.