Bulgaria is taking a significant step toward modernizing its public services by fully digitizing vehicle inspections. The Ministry of Transport and Communications announced that traditional stickers displayed on car windshields will soon be replaced by electronic certificates, marking the end of decades-old paper-based practices.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadzhov hailed the move as “a small but important step toward a modern and digital state where citizens receive fast and transparent services.”
He explained that motorists will no longer need to affix or replace inspection stickers, as all data will now be stored electronically and accessible to authorities in real time.
The reform is outlined in a draft amendment to Regulation Number H-32, recently published for public discussion. It follows a final ruling by Bulgaria’s Supreme Administrative Court, which abolished the use of physical inspection stickers.
The decision aligns Bulgaria with European Directive 2014/45, which encourages digital recordkeeping to enhance cross-border recognition and data traceability.
Under the new system, vehicle roadworthiness certificates will be issued electronically through a centralized information platform managed by the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration.”
This centralized database will ensure that inspection data — including a vehicle’s identification number (VIN), chassis details, and odometer readings — is securely stored and verifiable by authorized entities.
Officials say that this digitalization will improve transparency, reduce the risk of forgery or data manipulation, and simplify the overall inspection process.
Drivers will benefit from faster service times and fewer administrative burdens, as they will no longer need to handle physical documents or visit offices for replacements.
For technical inspection centers, the reform promises substantial efficiency gains. Centers will no longer have to print or store paper documents or report missing stickers to the authorities. Instead, all inspection results will be uploaded instantly to the centralized system, ensuring real-time synchronization across all agencies involved.
The Ministry of Transport emphasized that the initiative represents another milestone in Bulgaria’s ongoing push toward e-governance. By replacing outdated paper procedures with digital solutions, the government aims to deliver public services that are more reliable, efficient, and citizen-friendly.
Transport Minister Karadzhov noted that digital vehicle inspections would also contribute to road safety and environmental goals by making it easier to track compliance and detect fraudulent records. “This reform not only makes life easier for drivers but also strengthens the integrity of our inspection system,” he said.
Authorities expect the digital transition to be completed gradually over the coming months, following a period of public consultation and system testing.
Once implemented, Bulgaria will join several EU member states that have already digitized their vehicle inspection systems, paving the way for smoother cross-border cooperation and compliance monitoring.
As Bulgaria accelerates its digital transformation agenda, this reform highlights the country’s commitment to modern, paperless governance — one that simplifies life for citizens while ensuring accountability and efficiency across all public services.