Converting a Foreign Driver’s Licence in Italy

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 are valid for two years after you obtain residence in Italy. That means you can continue driving with your international 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. 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 allows you to continue driving until your one-year validity period ends. When it expires, you can convert your foreign licence to Italian 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 up to 185 days per year and have your interests (work, family, business, houses, etc.) in Italy, you are also considered a normal resident. 

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;

• Non-EU/EEA citizens 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.
• Students or workers on long-term visas

The process of converting a foreign driving licence in Italy varies between countries. Some countries are exempt from taking a driving test, while others might have partial permissions. Always ensure you confirm from 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 (new agreement valid until July 12, 2026)
• Algeria
• Andorra (agreement valid until August 31, 2029) 
• Argentina
• Turkey (agreement valid until July 18, 2028)
• Ukraine (agreement valid until January 24, 2027)
• Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Israel (agreement valid until August 22, 2028)
• Kosovo (agreement valid until January 29, 2030)
• Lebanon

Note: If your driving permit has been converted in another country, you might not be eligible for conversion in Italy. 

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 in 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.
• Certified translation of the licence into Italian
• Medical certificate (if required)
• Proof of residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
• Valid ID and tax code (Codice Fiscale) with copies.
• A medical certificate if your licence has expired or lacks an expiry date
• 2–3 passport-sized photos
• Application form TT 2112 from Motorizzazione Civile
• Tax code in the original and a photocopy
• Receipt of PagoPA bulletin payment for the rate N003-DIRITTI 10,20 | STAMPS € 32.

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. The closest office can be found online at the official portal: Il Portale dell'Automobilista.

Alternatively, you can apply through an authorised driving school (autoscuola). These schools can assist you with the application process, provide 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 cases of delays, you can wait up to 1 year before the Italian one is ready. 

While awaiting your Italian license, you may be eligible for a provisional driving permit. This temporary document allows you to drive legally in Italy during the processing period. The provisional permit is typically valid for up to 60 days, but extensions may be granted if delays occur.

Pro Tip: To avoid such delays, double-check all documents before submission. Also, ensure you use an authorised translator or translation company when required. 

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How to Translate Documents for Use in Italy

Do you need a certified translation of your driver’s licence?

If your driving licence is not in Italian, a certified (sworn) translation is mandatory when converting it in Italy. 

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), 

The certified translation rates vary between $20 and $100, depending on the 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 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. You should also ensure the certificate is current without any omissions. 

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, ensure you start the process on time to avoid any 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 $25 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. Here's what a customer has to say

Ready to translate your driver's licence for conversion in Italy? Get your certified driver’s licence translation now.