1996–97 Croatian Second Football League

Druga HNL
Season1996–97
ChampionsBudućnost Hodošan (North Division)
Croatia Đakovo (East Division)
Lučko (Center Division)
Jadran Poreč (West Division)
RNK Split (South Division)
PromotedNone
Relegated25 clubs

The 1996–97 Druga HNL (also known as 2. HNL) season was the 6th season of Croatia's second-level football since its establishment in 1992.

The league consisted of 83 teams organized into three geographic groups: Sjever (North, 16 teams), Istok (East, 16 teams), Središte (Center, 16 teams), Zapad (West, 16 teams), and Jug (South, 19 teams).