The 1980–81 Divizia C was the 25th season of Liga III, the third tier of the Romanian football league system.
[1] Relegated from Divizia B Promoted from County Championship Promoted to Divizia B Relegated to County Championship
Minerul Certej took the place of Explorări Deva in Divizia C due to the merger between Explorări and Minerul Deva.
Știința Petroșani and Minerul Vulcan merged, the first one being absorbed by the second one and was renamed as Minerul Știința Vulcan.
IPA Sibiu was renamed during the winter break as Textila IPA Sibiu and moved to Cisnădie.