Can you drive in Italy with a foreign licence?
Whether you can drive in Italy with a foreign licence depends on factors like the foreign country, your residence status, and the validity of your driver's permit. Here's what you should know;
EU/EEA driving licences
If a driving licence is issued by a country in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), you can drive in Italy legally without conversion. But this depends on whether your licence has an expiration date or not.
EU/EEA driver permits without an expiration date (or with a validity longer than EU rules allow) are valid for two years after you obtain residence in Italy. That means you can continue driving with your EU licence for two years, after which you must convert it to an Italian one.
In contrast, if your driving permit from a European Union country has an expiration date, you can use it until it's invalid. When it expires, you must convert it to an Italian driving licence. You can also choose to convert it earlier. Generally, driving permits issued by states belonging to the EU/EEA states are equivalent to Italian licences.
Non-EU foreign driving licenses
Licences issued by non-EU/EEA countries are valid for up to 1 year in Italy. You can continue driving in Italy using your foreign licence for up to one year after obtaining residency.
However, you must have an international driving permit or a certified translation of your driver's licence if it's not in Italian. This combination lets you keep driving until your one-year validity period ends. When it expires, you can convert your foreign license to an Italian license if your country has a reciprocity agreement with Italy.
In a situation without reciprocal recognition with Italy, you must apply for an Italian driving licence. The licensing application process often involves taking and passing the Italian driving exams and providing relevant documents.
Note: You are considered to have taken normal residence in Italy if you stay there legally. If you stay at least 185 days per year and have your interests (work, family, business, houses, etc.) in Italy, you are also considered a normal resident.
Driving in Italy with a U.S licence
If you’re a U.S. citizen visiting Italy as a tourist, you can drive using your valid U.S. driver’s license, but you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official Italian translation of your licence. The IDP legally translates your license and is required by Italian law. Without it, you may face fines or trouble with local authorities, even if your U.S. license is valid.
Tourists can generally drive in Italy for up to one year, but the limit may be shorter depending on your visa status or length of stay. If you plan to live in Italy long term, whether for work, study, or residency, you’ll need to convert your U.S. license to an Italian one.
However, Italy does not currently have a reciprocal agreement with the United States, which means you may need to take a written and practical driving test to get an Italian license.
Recommended Reading
Do I need an International Driver's Permit to Drive in Europe?
Who needs to convert their driver’s licence in Italy?
Individuals who need to convert an international driving licence in Italy include;
Holders of non-EU/EEA licences who have been residents of Italy for more than 1 year. You must convert your driving licence provided the issuing country has a reciprocity agreement with Italy.
EU/EEA driving licence holders with expired permits. You must convert your driving licence immediately if it becomes invalid.
EU/EEA driving licence holders whose licence has no expiry date, once they have lived in Italy for two years.
Students or workers on long-term visas
The process of converting a foreign driving licence in Italy varies between countries. Some countries exempt individuals from taking a driving test, while others may grant partial exemptions. Always ensure you confirm this on the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website.
How to get a driver's license in Italy as a foreigner?
Converting a driving licence for foreigners in Italy starts with confirming eligibility. Eligible countries include EU/EEA and non-EU states with reciprocity agreements. Here's what you should know
Step 1: Check eligibility based on your country
As mentioned, the first step is to confirm if you can exchange your foreign driving licence for an Italian one. The confirmation step is easy for non-EU/EEA countries. Visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The list of some countries that can convert licences under the non-EU/EEA designation are:
Albania (the previous agreement expired on July 12, 2026. A new agreement will be implemented on 31 October 2026, and Motorizzazione offices will accept Albanian conversion applications again from 2 November 2026 until 30 October 2031)
Algeria
Andorra (agreement valid until August 31, 2029)
Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina (agreement is valid until 17 March 2030)
Brazil (new agreement is valid until 28 April 2030)
El Salvador (new agreement valid from 20 October 2026 to 19 October 2031)
Japan, the Philippines, Monaco, San Marino, South Korea and Taiwan
Turkey (agreement valid until July 18, 2028)
Ukraine (agreement valid until January 24, 2027)
Great Britain and Northern Ireland (agreement is valid until 30 March 2028, and it also covers licences from Gibraltar, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and Jersey)
Israel (agreement valid until August 22, 2028)
Kosovo (agreement valid until January 29, 2030)
Lebanon
Morocco (new agreement valid until 3 June 2030)
Moldova (new agreement valid until 8 November 2030)
North Macedonia
Serbia (agreement valid until 17 December 2028
Sri Lanka (agreement valid from 10 April 2026 to 9 April 2031)
Switzerland (agreement extended until 12 June 2031)
Tunisia (new agreement valid until 20 July 2030
Uruguay (new agreement in force from 31 October 2026, with applications accepted from 2 November 2026 until 30 October 2031)
Note: If your driving permit has been converted in another country, you might not be eligible for conversion in Italy. Many country agreements set a time limit linked to your residence. Under most of them, including those with Israel, Kosovo, and Switzerland, you can convert your foreign license only if you have lived in Italy for less than six years when you apply.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Foreigners requesting a licence conversion in Italy must provide some documents. The official documents include;
Original foreign driving license (for viewing) and a complete photocopy, front and back
A photocopy of the receipt of the psychophysical fitness examination issued by a qualified doctor, dated no earlier than 3 months ago. (If it was issued by a local medical commission, it’s 6 months. The certificate is now issued digitally and includes your photo.)
Official Italian translation of your licence, where required. The MIT only requires it for licences from certain countries. Some agreements also ask for a certificate of validity and authenticity of the licence, issued by your country’s embassy or consulate.
Proof of residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
Valid ID and tax code (Codice Fiscale) with copies.
Passport photos (Many offices no longer ask for separate photos because the digital medical certificate includes one.)
Application form TT 2112 from Motorizzazione Civile
Self-declaration for licence conversion (dichiarazione sostitutiva ai fini della conversione), available from your Motorizzazione office
Need your licence translated? Get a certified translation from Translayte.
Step 3: Submit your application
If all your documents are in order, you can submit them at the local Motorizzazione Civile office. You can find the closest office online on the official portal: Il Portale dell'Automobilista.
Alternatively, you can apply through an authorised driving school (autoscuola). These schools can help with the application process, provide the necessary forms, and offer preparation for the theory and practical driving tests.
Your option can also affect your processing timeline for an Italian license. However, the standard timeline is between 2–6 months. In some cases, it can take up to 1 year for the Italian license to be ready.
You won't receive a provisional driving document while your conversion application is being processed. So plan accordingly, especially if you move around a lot in your car.
Pro Tip: To avoid such delays, double-check all documents before submission. Also, ensure you use an authorised translator or translation company when required.
Recommended Reading
How to Translate Documents for Use in Italy
Do you need a certified translation of your driver’s licence?
To drive legally in Italy on a non-EU licence, you need either an international driving permit or an official sworn Italian translation alongside it.
Italian authorities require a sworn translation to ensure that all information on your document is accurately and legally represented in Italian. This helps verify your validity and authenticity during the conversion process. Without a certified translation, your application may be delayed or rejected.
A certified translation in Italy is often accompanied by
Certificate of translation accuracy attesting to the authenticity of the document
Translator or translation company credentials
Date of translation
Official stamps from the court and a €16 revenue stamp (marca da bollo)
Certified translation rates range from €20 to €100, depending on volume, delivery timeline, and document complexity.
Pro Tip: Use a translator or a company authorised to offer official and certified translations in Italy for accuracy and 100% acceptance.
How to get an official sworn translation of a driver's license in Italy?
You can get certified translation services in Italy through a professional translator, translation company, or the Italian Consulate in the foreign country that issued the driving license. Here are the steps to get an official translation of a driver's license in Italy from Translayte:
1. Visit the Translayte website.
2. Click on “Order Certified Translation”.
3. Select “Certified Translation”, select the target and source language, and your preferred turnaround time.
4. Upload the foreign driver’s licence you want to translate. Ensure you’ve named the file correctly.
5. Select either the Standard, Specialist, or Professional certified translation services, based on your needs and budget.
6. Include any other specifications you prefer for your document. E.g., notarised translation, apostille, or paper copy delivery
7. Pay translation fees and place your order. Your translation will be delivered to you either by email or by post on or before the stipulated time.
Recommended Reading
How to get an Apostille on Documents Issued in Italy
Common issues and how to avoid delays
Converting your foreign driver's license to an Italian one can be complex. Here are some issues that might occur and how to avoid them;
Submitting unofficial or incomplete translations
Italian authorities require a certified (sworn) translation of your foreign driver's license into Italian. Submitting an unofficial or incomplete translation can result in immediate rejection of your application. To avoid this issue, use certified translation services from professional translators. They will provide a certificate of translation accuracy and sometimes take an oath before a court or notary.
Missing or outdated medical certificate
You need a medical certificate from an authorised Italian doctor when converting your foreign licence. This certificate assesses your general health, vision, and hearing abilities. Failure to submit this document can cause issues in your driving licence process. But you can avoid delays by applying on time and verifying the doctor's authorisation. Also ensure the certificate is current and complete.
Submitting an invalid foreign licence
Your foreign driver's license must be valid at the time of conversion. Submitting a suspended licence will be rejected as it cannot be converted. You should verify the validity of your driving licence before proceeding. Also, start the process on time to avoid delays.
How Translayte can help you drive legally in Italy
Translayte provides certified translation services for driver's license conversions in Italy. Here's how we can assist you:
Certified translations: We provide certified translations that include a signed statement attesting to accuracy and completeness, meeting Italian legal standards. This ensures that Italian authorities accept your driving licence translation.
Rapid turnaround: Our delivery time for certified translation is as little as 12 hours. You can also access our services on weekends and holidays.
24/7 support: At Translayte, you can access 24/7 multilingual assistance anytime via chat, email, SMS, phone, or WhatsApp.
Global acceptance: Translayte's certified translations are recognised by governments, universities, and courts worldwide.
Transparent pricing: Our certified translation rates start from €64.99 per page, with no hidden charges. Before ordering online, you can also request a free quote for an accurate cost.
Choosing Translayte ensures that your translation is accurate, compliant, and delivered promptly.
Ready to translate your driver's licence for conversion in Italy? Get your certified driver’s licence translation now.
