Using a Brazilian driving licence in Italy: conversion guide

The Italy–Brazil agreement allows valid, non-provisional licences to be converted subject to residence and category requirements. MIT sets a six-year deadline for applying.

Main requirements

A Brazilian driving licence can be converted in Italy under the bilateral agreement if it is a national, non-provisional, valid licence in an eligible category. The current agreement has been renewed and MIT says it remains in force until 28 April 2030. The Ministry gives a period of six years from the date you acquired residence in Italy to submit the application. Conversion is available without a theory or practical test if your residence falls within that period, except for specific cases covered by the agreement, such as when vehicle adaptations are required.

Do not confuse this deadline with the year during which you may use a Brazilian licence in Italy after acquiring residence: temporary recognition and conversion are separate matters. If you acquired residence more than six years ago, MIT says the agreement does not apply. Check your official residence date before booking.

Licence categories and document history

The Italian categories you receive depend on the technical equivalence table attached to the agreement, not on a simple translation of the Brazilian category name. The date on which you obtained each category, any renewals and the issuing authority all matter. The agreement covers licences obtained before acquiring residence in the other country; a licence obtained afterwards may not meet this condition.

If the document has been renewed, converted from another licence or has restrictions, bring the earlier records and ask the Motor Vehicle Office whether additional certificates are needed. The Driver’s Portal publishes a table of countries and translation or authenticity requirements; Brazil also has specific forms and guidance. Do not rely on an old forum checklist instead of the current table.

Applying at the UMC: required documents

Submit the application to the Motor Vehicle Office with the current form, identity document, tax code, original licence, valid medical certificate, PagoPA receipt and any documents specifically required by the agreement. The Driver’s Portal table states whether a translation or confirmation of authenticity is required. A medical certificate may expire after a few months, so it is best to arrange it shortly before your appointment rather than at the start of a long document-gathering process.

Follow the office’s instructions for booking and keep a copy of the application and receipts. The UMC may ask the Brazilian authority to clarify the licence’s authenticity or categories; the timing depends on the reply. Ask whether the original licence will be retained and what document authorises you to drive while the application is processed: filing an application alone does not grant permission.

Check again before you apply

Agreement validity dates and attachments may change. Before paying or submitting documents, open the MIT page on foreign licence conversion and the latest Brazil circular. If you are applying after the deadline, have a provisional licence or hold categories that are not equivalent, ask the UMC for a written assessment: the route for obtaining an Italian licence will differ from conversion.

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