The 1996–97 Divizia C was the 41st season of Liga III, the third tier of the Romanian football league system.
Viromet Victoria took the place of FC Sfântu Gheorghe.
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.
Mobila Șimleu Silvaniei took the place of Laminorul Zalău.