| Season: | 1996–97 |
| Nextseason: | 1997–98 |
The 1996–97 Divizia C was the 41st season of Liga III, the third tier of the Romanian football league system.[1] [2]
Relegated from Divizia B
Promoted from Divizia D
Promoted to Divizia B
Relegated to Divizia D
Unirea 95 Focșani was renamed as Vrancea Focșani.
Minerul Vatra Dornei was renamed as Dorna Vatra Dornei.
FC Arad was renamed as Telecom Arad.
Șoimii Compa Sibiu was renamed as Șoimii Sibiu.
Viromet Victoria took the place of FC Sfântu Gheorghe.
Constructorul Reghin took the place of Mureșul Toplița.
Astra Ploiești merged with Danubiana București and takes its place in Divizia B.
Victoria 96 Florești took the place of Astra Ploiești.
FC Caracal and Unirea Alexandria merged, the first one being absorbed by the second one. The new entity was named as FC Alexandria.
Mobila Șimleu Silvaniei took the place of Laminorul Zalău.