Decree № 1 of 05.01.1999 established the borders of Veliko Tarnovo district, which includes ten municipalities. The town of Veliko Tarnovo is the administrative center of the region.

The state administration in the area is implemented by a Regional Governor, which ensures the correspondence between the national and local interests in the implementation of the regional policy. By decision № 45 of 01.02.1999 the first District governor of the district with administrative center Veliko Tarnovo was appointed. In exercising its powers, the District Governor is assisted by the District Administration.