Replacing a Bulgarian driving licence 2026: documents, fees

Is your driving licence about to expire? Or have you changed your name and need to update the document? The procedure is simpler than you think. Here is the full list of documents, fees and steps for a quick replacement.

The cases differ, however. It is one thing for the licence simply to expire, another for it to be lost, for you to have changed your name, to have a medical restriction from the TELK (ТЕЛК, the Territorial Expert Medical Commission), or to be replacing it from abroad. Below you will find exactly what you need for your case.

Which case is yours?

The basic set of documents is the same, but depending on the reason for the replacement, additional documents are added. Find your situation in the table and see what else you will need.

Full list of documents

Whether you apply online or in person, the basic documents are the same. It is important that the medical certificate is recent: it is issued specially for the licence replacement.

For categories C, D or for the transport of dangerous goods, a certificate of psychological fitness is also required. The control coupon (контролен талон) is not a separate document to carry: a new one is returned to you together with the finished licence.

Medical certificate: from whom and how

The medical certificate is mandatory for every replacement. For category B two examinations are needed: an eye examination and one by an internist. You do not need to look for specialised clinics.

Steps to replace a driving licence

You have two options: online with an electronic signature, or in person at the Road Police sector (сектор Пътна полиция, part of the Traffic Police, КАТ) at your permanent address. The online option saves queueing.

Fees for replacing a driving licence 2026

From 2026 the fees of the Ministry of Interior are set directly in euro. The amount depends on age and the chosen speed of service. The good news is that people over 70 are completely exempt from the fee.

Deadlines and online submission

The standard deadline is up to 30 days, but in practice it is usually faster. If you are in a hurry, choose the fast service (up to 10 days) or the express service (up to 3 working days) for a higher fee.

You can check online whether the document is ready on the Ministry of Interior’s e-services portal. For online applications the Ministry of Interior now sends confirmation or refusal by email, so you know your status without calling. See also how to check whether the licence is ready for collection using only your ЕГН (personal identification number) and surname.

Online submission with an electronic signature

If you have a QES (qualified electronic signature, КЕП), you can submit the application online and avoid the queues at the Traffic Police. You will have to go only once: to pick up the finished licence.

Warning: check your fines before applying

This is the mistake that sinks applications at the last moment. A new driving licence is NOT issued if you have unpaid fines under the Road Traffic Act.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with an expired licence if I have applied for a new one?

No. The ban applies even after you have applied for renewal. The application you submitted is NOT a substitute document. Under Art. 150а of the Road Traffic Act, a driver must hold a valid licence for the relevant category in order to drive a motor vehicle.

The fine for driving without a valid licence is fixed at BGN 300 (about €153) under Art. 177(1) of the Road Traffic Act (ЗДвП) (in force since 7 September 2025). See also fines for speeding for the other road sanctions.

Is it mandatory to replace the licence if I do not drive?

No. If you do not drive a motor vehicle, there is no statutory deadline by which to replace an expired licence. Replacement becomes mandatory only when you actually get behind the wheel. That is, you can wait, without consequences, as long as you do not drive with the expired document.

Can I authorise someone else to apply for me?

Yes, but a notarised power of attorney is needed. The authorised person also brings a declaration of normal residence completed by you. When collecting the finished licence, however, you must appear in person.

What if my driving licence is lost or stolen?

First submit a declaration of a lost document at the district police station of the Ministry of Interior. With a copy of the declaration you then apply for a new licence. The fee is the same as for an ordinary replacement.

How long is the new licence valid?

The standard validity is 10 years for people up to 70 years of age. For professional categories (C, D, E, T) the term is 5 years. After 70 the term is shorter and depends on the medical conclusion.

Do I need a new photo?

No. The photo is taken on the spot at the Traffic Police when you apply, or the photo from the identity documents database is used. Do not bring a separate photo.

Where to submit the documents

The regular service is submitted at any district police station of the СДВР or ОДМВР, or at the БДС unit for your permanent address. The fast and express services are submitted only at the Road Police sector for your permanent address. Without a QES for the online route, go in person to the unit for your address registration.

When to start the procedure

You can apply for replacement up to 3 months before the licence expires. We recommend starting at least a month earlier, to leave time for the medical examinations and any delays.

A driving licence often goes together with other driver obligations. If you own a car, see also the annual technical inspection price and the vehicle tax calculator, so that you are in order on the road.