Driving in Italy with a Foreign Licence: Rules for Tourists and Residents

The Italian Highway Code distinguishes between licences issued by European Union or European Economic Area States and licences issued outside the EU/EEA. For non-EU/EEA licences, the rules also change one year after the holder acquires residence in Italy.

This guide explains how to identify the correct rule, which documents to carry, when conversion becomes necessary and what happens when a foreign licence cannot be converted.

At a glance

Summary based on Articles 135 and 136-bis of the Italian Highway Code and current MIT guidance.

Which rule applies? Look at the issuing State, not the driver’s nationality

The decisive factor is normally the State that issued the driving licence. An American citizen holding a French licence is therefore treated as the holder of an EU licence. Conversely, an EU citizen holding a licence issued by the United States is subject to the rules for non-EU/EEA licences.

It is also important to establish whether the current document was issued after exchanging a licence from another country. Italy may refuse to recognise or exchange an EU licence that originated from a non-EU licence if Italy does not have the required reciprocity arrangements with the original issuing State.

What counts as residence in Italy?

For holders of non-EU/EEA licences, the one-year period is calculated from the acquisition of registered residence (residenza anagrafica) in Italy. It does not normally run from the date of entry, visa issuance or residence permit issuance, although it is advisable to start the conversion process as soon as possible.

For EU/EEA licence procedures, registered residence or normal residence may be relevant. Normal residence is generally the place where a person habitually lives for at least 185 days per year because of personal and professional ties. 

Driving in Italy with an EU or EEA licence

Driving licences issued by EU Member States and EEA States are generally equivalent to the corresponding Italian licences. This treatment is based on the issuing State, not on the driver’s citizenship.

Licence with an EU-compliant expiry date

A valid EU/EEA licence with a validity period compliant with EU rules may normally be used in Italy until its expiry date. If the holder is resident in Italy, the licence can be exchanged voluntarily before expiry. At expiry, renewal is handled in the State of normal residence, which usually means exchanging or renewing the licence in Italy for a person resident here.

Licence with no expiry date or an excessively long validity period

A resident holding an EU/EEA licence with no administrative expiry date, or a validity period longer than permitted under EU rules, must exchange it after two years of residence in Italy. Italian rules on validity periods and medical checks then apply.

When exchange may be required earlier

Exchange or recognition may also become necessary if the resident driver is subject to a licence review measure. A resident can also request an Italian duplicate if an EU/EEA licence is lost or stolen, subject to verification with the issuing authority.

Important exceptions

1. Suspended or revoked licences cannot be exchanged or renewed in Italy.
2. A licence issued by an EU/EEA State after conversion of a non-EU licence may not be recognised if the original licence would not have been convertible in Italy.
3. Provisional or temporary licences are not uniformly recognised across Europe and should not be assumed to authorise driving in Italy.
4. Professional driving may require additional qualifications, such as a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, even when the underlying driving licence is valid.

Driving in Italy with a non-EU or non-EEA licence

Tourists and non-residents

A person who is not resident in Italy may drive vehicles covered by a valid non-EU/EEA licence, provided that the driver also carries either a valid international driving permit or an official Italian translation of the licence. The documents must be valid and must be carried together.

Residents during the first year

The same documentary rule applies during the first year after acquiring registered residence in Italy. The driver must carry the original valid licence and either the international driving permit or the official Italian translation.

Residents after the first year

Once more than one year has passed from acquiring residence, a non-EU/EEA licence no longer authorises the holder to drive in Italy. An international driving permit or translation does not extend this period.

To continue driving, the holder must either convert the licence under an applicable reciprocity agreement or obtain an Italian licence by passing the required theory and practical examinations.

Important: Submitting a conversion application does not, by itself, extend the one-year period. A filing receipt should not be treated as permission to drive unless the competent authority has expressly confirmed otherwise.

International Driving Permit or official Italian translation

International Driving Permit

The international driving permit is an accompanying document; it is not a stand-alone driving licence. It must be issued by the competent authority of the State that issued the domestic licence and must comply with an international convention recognised by Italy.

Italy recognises permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention. Their maximum validity is generally one year and three years respectively, but never beyond the validity of the underlying domestic licence.

Official translation

A private or informal translation is not sufficient. The translation must cover the entire licence and be certified as corresponding to the foreign text. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, it may be prepared through:

1. the diplomatic or consular representation in Italy of the State that issued the licence, with legalisation of the translator’s signature by the competent Prefecture where required;
2. an Italian diplomatic or consular representation in the issuing State; or
3. an authorised translator or another person who completes a sworn translation before a court clerk, notary or justice of the peace.

Can a non-EU licence be converted in Italy?

Conversion replaces the foreign licence with an Italian licence, normally without new theory and practical examinations. It is available only when Italy has a valid reciprocity agreement with the issuing State and all conditions of that agreement are met.

General eligibility requirements

1. The foreign licence must be valid and authentic.
2. It must normally have been obtained before the holder acquired residence in Italy.
3. The licence model and vehicle category must fall within the relevant agreement.
4. The application must be submitted within the country-specific deadline calculated from Italian residence.
5. The licence must not be suspended, revoked or subject to another prohibitive measure.
6. A licence obtained by converting another foreign licence is not convertible if the original licence would not qualify in Italy.

Country-specific agreements and deadlines

The list of participating countries and the terms of each agreement change over time. The Ministry’s current list should therefore be checked immediately before filing rather than copied into a permanent web page without an update date.

The Ministry currently applies different residence-based filing limits, commonly four or six years depending on the issuing State and the applicable agreement. Some agreements impose strict deadlines after which the application is rejected; other cases may require a technical driving review when the application is filed late.

United Kingdom driving licences

British licences are no longer treated as EU licences after Brexit, but they can currently be converted under the bilateral agreement between Italy and the United Kingdom. The holder must satisfy the agreement’s requirements, including those concerning validity, residence, original acquisition and the relevant application deadline.

The current agreement also applies, subject to its terms, to licences issued in Gibraltar, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Isle of Man and the Bailiwick of Jersey.

United States, Canada and other non-convertible licences

Ordinary United States and Canadian driving licences are not included in the general conversion arrangements currently published by the Ministry. The Ministry lists only limited diplomatic or consular categories for those States. Other frequently requested licences, including Australian, Chinese and Indian licences, should also be checked against the current official list.

A visitor or a new resident may still drive during the permitted period with the required accompanying document. However, after the first year of residence, a holder whose licence is not convertible must obtain an Italian licence through examination.

If the licence cannot be converted

Where no applicable reciprocity agreement exists, the foreign licence cannot be exchanged for an Italian one. To continue driving after the first year of residence, the holder must obtain an Italian licence through the ordinary process, including theory and practical examinations.

Starting the process early is advisable because the foreign licence cannot be used in Italy after the one-year period merely because the applicant has booked lessons, examinations or a conversion appointment.

Penalties and roadside controls

Foreign licence holders must comply with the Italian Highway Code and may be subject to the same road traffic sanctions as Italian licence holders. Specific consequences also apply to foreign documents.

1. Driving with a non-EU/EEA licence without the required international permit or official translation is subject to the penalty provided by Article 135(8).
2. Driving after more than one year of Italian residence with an otherwise valid non-EU/EEA licence is subject to the penalty referred to in Article 126(11), together with withdrawal of the foreign document.
3. If the licence is convertible, the withdrawn document may be sent to the competent Motorizzazione for conversion; if it is not convertible, it may be returned to the issuing authority.
4. Driving with an expired, suspended or revoked licence can produce additional consequences, including withdrawal and an Italian prohibition on driving.

Fine amounts are periodically updated. The amounts in force should be verified immediately before publication or before giving case-specific advice.

Renting a car in Italy

Legal recognition of a licence and a rental company’s contractual requirements are separate matters. A rental company may impose a minimum age, a minimum period for which the licence must have been held, a credit-card requirement or presentation of an international driving permit even where the statutory rule would otherwise accept an official translation.

Travellers should confirm the rental conditions in writing before arrival and carry the original licence, passport or identity document, rental agreement and any required international permit or translation.

Driving a vehicle with foreign number plates

The rules for the driving licence and the rules for the vehicle are separate. As a general rule, a vehicle registered abroad and owned by a person who acquires residence in Italy must be registered in Italy within three months of acquiring residence.

If an Italian resident drives a foreign-registered vehicle owned by another person, a dated document showing the legal basis and duration of use must generally be kept on board. If the resident’s availability of the vehicle exceeds 30 days in a calendar year, including non-consecutive days, registration in the REVE foreign vehicle register may be required. Exceptions and special rules apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Italy with a US licence?

Yes, as a non-resident or during the first year after acquiring residence, provided the licence is valid and accompanied by an international driving permit or official Italian translation. Ordinary US licences are not generally convertible in Italy, so a resident normally needs to obtain an Italian licence by examination after the first year.

Can I drive in Italy with a UK licence?

Yes. For short stays and during the first year of residence, the non-EU documentary rules apply. Residents may currently apply for conversion under the Italy-UK agreement if all conditions and deadlines are met.

Is an International Driving Permit mandatory in Italy?

For a non-EU/EEA licence, Italian law requires either an international driving permit or an official Italian translation. The permit is therefore not the only option, although a rental company may contractually require it.

Can I drive while my conversion application is pending?

Do not assume that filing extends the one-year period or that a receipt is a substitute licence. The applicant should obtain case-specific confirmation from the competent Motorizzazione and stop driving when the statutory entitlement has ended.

Can an EU licence converted from a non-EU licence be used in Italy?

Not always. Italy may examine the original licence and may refuse recognition or conversion if the original issuing State does not meet the reciprocity conditions required under Italian law.

Can I use a provisional, temporary or digital licence?

Recognition of provisional and temporary documents is not harmonised. A digital image or app display should not be assumed to replace the original physical licence unless an applicable rule expressly provides otherwise.

What if my EU/EEA licence is lost or stolen after I move to Italy?

A resident may request an Italian duplicate, subject to verification of the licence details with the foreign issuing authority.