{"id":10131,"date":"2026-11-14T15:02:58","date_gmt":"2026-11-14T14:02:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shimmigrations.com\/driving-in-italy-with-a-foreign-licence\/"},"modified":"2026-11-14T15:04:40","modified_gmt":"2026-11-14T14:04:40","slug":"driving-in-italy-with-a-foreign-licence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shimmigrations.com\/en\/driving-in-italy-with-a-foreign-licence\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving in Italy with a US or foreign licence: the one-year rule and conversion"},"content":{"rendered":"

In short.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Updated on 14 November 2026.<\/strong> 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).<\/p>\n

How long can you drive in Italy with a foreign licence?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Situation<\/th>\nWhat you need to drive<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Tourist, not resident in Italy<\/td>\nValid foreign licence plus International Driving Permit or official translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Resident for less than a year<\/td>\nThe same documents; meanwhile start the conversion, if possible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Resident for more than a year, country with an agreement<\/td>\nItalian licence obtained by conversion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Resident for more than a year, country without an agreement<\/td>\nItalian licence obtained by taking the exams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

When can you convert a foreign licence?<\/h2>\n

You can convert it into an Italian licence only if:<\/p>\n