In short. With a driving licence issued outside the EU you can drive in Italy for one year after you become resident, together with an International Driving Permit or an official translation. After the first year the licence must be converted, but only if the issuing country has an agreement with Italy and you obtained the licence before becoming resident. The United States has no such agreement: if you have lived in Italy for more than a year, you need an Italian driving licence.
This guide explains how long a foreign licence is valid, when it can be converted, which documents you need and what to do if your country has no agreement with Italy.
Updated on 14 November 2026. These are general rules based on official sources, not personal advice: the list of countries with an agreement changes over time, so always check the current instructions of the Motor Vehicle Office (Ufficio della Motorizzazione civile).
How long can you drive in Italy with a foreign licence?
Licences issued by non-EU countries let you drive the vehicles they cover in Italy for up to one year after you become resident. If you are in Italy as a tourist, and so not resident, you can drive with your home licence as long as it is valid.
In both cases your licence must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit issued in your country, or by a full official translation. Licences from EU countries follow different rules and are not covered by this guide.
| Situation | What you need to drive |
|---|---|
| Tourist, not resident in Italy | Valid foreign licence plus International Driving Permit or official translation |
| Resident for less than a year | The same documents; meanwhile start the conversion, if possible |
| Resident for more than a year, country with an agreement | Italian licence obtained by conversion |
| Resident for more than a year, country without an agreement | Italian licence obtained by taking the exams |
When can you convert a foreign licence?
You can convert it into an Italian licence only if:
- the issuing country has a reciprocity agreement with Italy for licence conversion;
- you obtained the licence before becoming resident in Italy;
- the licence is valid.
According to the instructions of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, conversion without exams is possible if you have been resident in Italy for less than four years; after that, you must take re-examination tests.
The list of countries with an agreement changes over time, and several agreements have an expiry date. The Ministry’s list includes, for example, Argentina, Japan, Morocco, the Philippines, South Korea, Tunisia and Turkey: always check the current list before you apply.
What if you have a US driver’s license?
The United States is not one of the countries with a conversion agreement: according to the Ministry’s list, conversion is only available to diplomatic staff and their families.
So a US citizen who moves to Italy can drive with an American license, together with an International Driving Permit or a translation, only during the first year of residence. After that you need an Italian driving licence, obtained by passing the theory and driving tests. It is wise to enrol in a driving school in your first months, so that you are not left without a valid licence when the year ends.
Which documents do you need for the conversion?
You apply to the Motor Vehicle Office (Ufficio della Motorizzazione civile) with form TT 2112. You usually need:
- a medical certificate on stamped paper, with a photo, issued by an authorised doctor no more than three months earlier;
- two recent passport-size photos;
- your original, valid foreign licence, with a front-and-back photocopy;
- a full translation of the licence made by the consulate or embassy of the issuing country, with the signature legalised at the Prefettura;
- an identity document and your Italian tax code (codice fiscale);
- your residence permit, original and copy;
- a self-declaration of the date you became resident in Italy;
- the receipts of the payments required, following the office’s instructions.
When you receive your Italian licence, the foreign one is withdrawn and sent to the consulate of the issuing country. For translations and legalisation see our guide to apostille and legalisation; for the tax code see our guide to the Italian tax code for foreigners.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Driving with your foreign licence after your first year of residence.
- Driving without an International Driving Permit or an official translation.
- Asking to convert a licence you obtained after becoming resident in Italy.
- Relying on an old list of countries: some agreements have expired.
- Waiting until the last month to enrol in a driving school, if your country has no agreement.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a foreign driving licence valid in Italy?
A licence issued outside the EU is valid in Italy for up to one year after you become resident, together with an International Driving Permit or an official translation. After that you need an Italian licence.
Can you convert a US driver’s license in Italy?
No, except for diplomatic staff and their families: the United States has no conversion agreement with Italy. If you have lived in Italy for more than a year, you must get an Italian licence by taking the exams.
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Italy?
Yes, or a full official translation of your licence. Keep it with your original licence whenever you drive.
Can you convert a licence obtained after moving to Italy?
No. Conversion is only possible for a licence obtained before you became resident in Italy.
When should you apply for the conversion?
To keep driving without a gap, apply during your first year of residence. According to the Ministry, conversion without exams is possible if you have been resident for less than four years.
Official sources
- General rules for converting non-EU driving licences – Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Portale dell’automobilista (PDF, Italian)
- Licence conversions and duplicates – Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Portale dell’automobilista (PDF, Italian)
Sources checked on 14 November 2026. The Ministry’s documents are not dated and the list of countries with an agreement changes: always ask the Motor Vehicle Office for confirmation.
How can SH Immigration Specialists help?
SH Immigration Specialists, a brand of SH Group, offers administrative help to people moving to Italy: choosing the right visa, residence permit, registered residence and tax code. Legal advice, appeals and representation are handled by the immigration lawyers of SH Immigration Specialists. The outcome depends on the competent authorities. For an assessment, contact us.
This content provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
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Which other guides may help you?
- Italy visa for US citizens: consulates and visas
- Elective Residence Visa Italy: Requirements, Income and Permit
- Residence in Italy for foreigners: rules and documents
- Italian tax code for foreigners: how to get your codice fiscale
- Buying a house in Italy as a foreigner: reciprocity, tax code and visas
- Apostille and legalisation of documents for Italy
