Exchanging a driving licence in Italy: a guide for foreigners

A non-EU licence is valid for a year after you register residence. Only licences from agreement countries are exchanged without tests; everyone else takes theory and driving tests.

The short answer: you can drive in Italy on a non-EU licence for one year after registering residence. Within that time the licence is exchanged for an Italian one at the motor vehicle office, but without tests only for countries that have an agreement with Italy. Holders of licences from other countries take the theory and practical tests like new drivers.

Exchange fees are about $50, the medical certificate with its stamp costs $75-140, and processing usually takes two to six months. So it is best to apply in the first months after registering, not at the end of the year.

How long you can drive on a foreign licence in Italy

A tourist drives on a valid foreign licence, and if it is not on the convention model, a translation or an international permit is needed. After you register residence, a non-EU licence is valid for one more year. After that you can no longer drive on it: you need an Italian licence obtained by exchange or through tests.

Who exchanges a licence without a test

Licences from countries with permanent agreements are exchanged without a test: Algeria, Argentina, the Philippines, Japan, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Morocco, Moldova, Monaco, South Korea, San Marino, Taiwan and Tunisia. Temporary agreements apply with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Kosovo, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK, Andorra and some other countries, each with its own end date. Licences from all other countries, including the USA and Canada, are not exchanged.

Licences from non-EU countries, including Russia

Italy has no licence recognition agreement with Russia or many other non-EU countries, so their licences are not exchanged. A year after registering residence, the holder must obtain an Italian licence through tests: a theory test in Italian and a practical test. You can study at a driving school or prepare on your own, and the driving test is taken with a driving school instructor.

Documents for exchanging a licence

• the official application form;
• the valid foreign licence and its certified translation;
• a medical certificate with a revenue stamp;
• two photos;
• proof of registered residence;
• a residence permit or a receipt for its renewal;
• receipts for the fees.

How the exchange works: steps

1. Register your residence at the municipality.
2. Get a certified translation of the licence and pass the medical.
3. Pay the fees and file the documents at the motor vehicle office.
4. Wait for the licence to be verified with the issuing country.
5. Receive the Italian licence. The foreign licence is handed in.

How much exchanging a licence costs in Italy

Exchange fees are about $50 at the European Central Bank rate of 6 October 2026, and the medical certificate $75-140 including the revenue stamp. A translation of the licence is paid separately. If an exchange is impossible, costs rise: driving school, theory and driving tests and a learner permit.

If your licence has expired

Expired foreign licences are not exchanged in Italy, even from agreement countries: renew them in the issuing country first. If the year after registering residence has already passed, an exchange is no longer possible either, and an Italian licence is obtained through tests.

This topic in other countries

Deadlines, tests and documents for exchanging a licence differ in every country, so it is best to plan the exchange before the move, together with the residence permit: that way you will not spend months on taxis or risk a fine and your insurance.

Exchanging a licence in other countries: Georgia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Turkey, UAE, Portugal, Cyprus, Paraguay, USA.

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