Skip to content With the circular of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport published on 18 May 2026, the agreement between Italy and Switzerland on the conversion of driving licences has been extended.
On 13 June 2026, the extension of the Agreement between the Government of the Italian Republic and the Swiss Federal Council on mutual recognition for the conversion of driving licences entered into force. The Agreement was signed in Rome on 13 May 2021 and was initially valid until 12 June 2026. With the extension agreement signed by the Italian and Swiss authorities in Rome on 4 November 2025, the possibility of converting driving licences has therefore been extended for a further five years, until 12 June 2031.
Scope of application
This Agreement, and its related extension, applies only to holders of driving licences issued before acquiring residence in the other State. It does not apply to documents issued through conversion from driving licences of other States that are not convertible in the relevant territory.
What changes were introduced by the extension agreement
The Extension Agreement also introduced amendments to Article 6, paragraph 1, concerning the time limits for converting driving licences, in order to align the text with current Italian legislation.
Under the Agreement signed in 2021, holders of Swiss driving licences could convert their document without taking theory and practical tests only if they had been resident in Italy for less than four years at the time of submitting the application. Similarly, holders of Italian driving licences could carry out the conversion if they had been resident in Switzerland for less than five years, subject to specific exceptions.
Pursuant to the Extension Agreement, the time limit for converting Swiss driving licences for citizens residing in Italy has been increased to six years.
How to convert a driving licence
The Italian authority responsible for driving licence conversion is the Motorisation Office, while in the Swiss Confederation the competent authorities are the Cantonal Road Traffic Offices.
As indicated, applicants are not required to take theory or practical tests. However, a medical certificate proving that they meet the necessary physical and mental fitness requirements may be requested. In addition, where the document contains information other than that provided for in the standard models, the authorities reserve the right to request a translation of the document itself.
To learn more on driving in Italy with a foreign licence, check our dedicated article.