How to convert a foreign driving licence in Italy

Conversion depends on the country that issued the driving licence, the agreements in force, your place of residence and the licence categories. Please consult the up-to-date MIT table before booking your UMC appointment.

The first thing to check is the country of issue

There is no single procedure that applies to all foreign driving licences. For EU/EEA countries, different rules on recognition and conversion apply to those for non-EU/EEA countries. For the latter, Italy will only convert the licence if there is an applicable agreement and if conditions regarding validity, residence, licence categories and date of issue are met. The ministerial list changes over time: check it on the day you prepare your application.

The MIT also specifies a timeframe within which to apply for conversion after acquiring Italian residency, with deadlines varying by region. Some agreements stipulate four years, others six, and there may be specific conditions. Do not use the date from a previous article or the expiry date printed on the driving licence alone as proof that the application is still valid.

Documents and booking

The application pack typically includes the application form, supporting documents, the original driving licence, tax code, medical certificate and PagoPA receipt. For some driving licences, a translation, a certificate of authenticity or a declaration of qualification is required; the requirements and format depend on the row for the relevant country in the table on the Portal. The Motorisation Authority may request verification from the foreign authority if the authenticity or licence categories are unclear.

Use the up-to-date forms and instructions available on the Motorist’s Portal. The medical certificate and other documents may have an expiry date: prepare them close to your appointment. Check that the name and dates match between the document and the driving licence, and ask the office how to book your appointment. If a category is not convertible or the driving licence is provisional, the UMC may not be able to complete the conversion.

After submitting your application

Submitting your application does not guarantee immediate issue: the process may be subject to checks or responses from the issuing country’s authorities. Keep the reference number and ask which document allows you to drive whilst your application is being processed; do not assume that the application receipt authorises you to drive. If your application is refused, ask for the reason and the options available to you, including whether you may need to obtain an Italian driving licence by sitting an exam.

Before leaving your country of origin or having your original licence collected, ask the UMC how your driving licence will be handled whilst the application is being processed. The practical rules may vary by country and type of application, so it is best to obtain written guidance from the relevant authority.

How to avoid delays

Carry out a three-step check: validity of the agreement for that country, compliance with the residence requirement, and specific documents listed in the table. Then book an appointment and check the list provided by your UMC. If your driving licence has been renewed, replaced or converted in another country, bring documents that allow its origin to be traced: harmonised codes and annotations may affect the assessment.

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