If your driver's license is coming to an end, but you do not plan to return to the territory of the Russian Federation, this article is just for you. The author, who went through the entire procedure on his own, gives detailed instructions on how to exchange Russian licenses for Bulgarian ones.
The main condition for the exchange is the availability of a temporary residence permit (permanent residence permit) in Bulgaria. The second necessary condition is possession of a document confirming completed secondary education. Oddly enough, this procedure requires a school certificate, and not a university diploma. If there is no certificate, then the diploma will have to be legalized and certified according to a more complex scheme and only at the RIO Sofia (regional education inspectorate). It is definitely worth mentioning the fact that even expired licenses can be exchanged (without penalty). Below are step-by-step instructions. Documents must be submitted to regional organizations at the place of your registration (indicated on the card).
1. Step
Document on secondary (school) education
First, you need to have your Russian school leaving certificate translated and legalized. There is no need to translate the mark sheet. If your last name has changed since marriage, a translation of your marriage certificate will also be required. Translation and legalization are usually done at the same time, at any translation agency.
Preparation time: 3-5 days, depending on the price.
Cost: legalization of one document 60-80 levs, translation of one document 10-15 levs.
2. Step
Certification from the regional education department
Next, the received documents must be taken to the “RIO” (regional education department, in Bulgarian “regional education inspectorate”). Such an institution, as a rule, is located in each regional center. You will need to fill out an application form. You will receive a stamped coupon indicating the date the documents are ready. It is worth noting that in municipal institutions there is a tradition of closing during the lunch break.
Preparation period: 30 days.
Cost: 35 levs.
3. Step
Medical certificate for a driver's license
The certificate can be obtained both at any municipal hospital and at a private one. Usually the doctor on duty will issue a certificate in front of you, after a formal vision test. In Bulgarian, the document is called “Certificate for health status for water supply/candidate for pridobivan for legal capacity for management at the Ministry of Railways.”
Preparation time: Instantly.
Cost: 20 levs.
4. Step
Submitting documents to the cat
At the final stage, it is necessary to submit the documents listed above to the regional department of CAT (“automobile transport control”), the Bulgarian analogue of the traffic police. You will also need to make copies of all documents, as well as your personal card. Fill out the application, declaration and receipt. Some KAT branches are equipped with a terminal for payment by bank card, others issue a receipt for payment at the bank. Your old driver's license will be confiscated. In a month you will be able to get new licenses valid for 10 years, the photo will be the same as on your personal card. Along with your license, you will also be issued a control card (39 points), in which your violations will be noted.
Preparation period: 30 days.
Cost: 27 levs.
Translation and legalization Certification of the certificate in "RIO" Medical certificate for CAT
KAT Main Addresses in Bulgaria
KAT address in Sofia: st. Lachezar Stanchev 4, 1756 Dianabad Oil Refinery.
KAT address in Varna: Boulevard "Jan Huniyadi" No. 5.