Romania updates car sale contract for second-hand vehicles

Romania has introduced an updated contract for vehicle sales, aiming to streamline the process for second-hand car transactions. The new "Contract of alienation-acquisition of a transport vehicle – Model 2026 ITL 054" replaces the previous form used since 2016 and was approved by a joint order from the Ministries of Development, Finance, and Internal Affairs, published in the Official Gazette on August 17, 2026.

A significant modification involves the buyer's fiscal situation. Reflecting changes to the Fiscal Procedure Code, the updated contract now requires the buyer, in addition to the seller, to prove they have no outstanding local tax debts. This proof can be provided through a fiscal attestation certificate or electronic verification. Failure to provide this evidence can render the contract null and void, a change from the previous procedure which primarily focused on the seller's fiscal status.

The new contract also clarifies the ownership transfer deadline. It specifies that the buyer must request the transcription of vehicle ownership within 90 days of acquisition. While this 90-day period is now explicitly stated in the contract, it aligns with existing road legislation, superseding the 30-day term mentioned in the older 2016 contract form.

Failure to complete the transcription within the 90-day legal timeframe has consequences. According to road legislation, the vehicle's registration will be suspended by law until the transcription is finalized. The updated form also incorporates provisions for electric vehicles and new identity documents, further modernizing the transaction process.