Notice for drivers holding a foreign licence
Under article 135 of the Italian Highway Code (Codice della Strada), as updated, anyone driving in Italy on a licence issued by a State outside the European Union or the European Economic Area must carry, together with the valid licence, an international driving permit or an official Italian translation of the licence. Failure to do so is punished with an administrative fine of €408 to €1,634 (art. 135(8)). The requirement applies to drivers resident in Italy for no more than one year; after one year of residence the licence must be converted.
What we provide
A sworn translation of the foreign driving licence, sworn at the Court of Rome by official translators registered with the Register of Court-Appointed Experts, with an oath record and chronological number. The translation reproduces every element of the licence: holder's details, categories, dates of issue and expiry, codes, restrictions, stamps and seals. It is valid throughout Italy and is accepted by the police, the Motor Vehicle Office (Motorizzazione Civile), car-hire companies and insurers.
Collection at our office in central Rome within 24 hours, public holidays excluded
The sworn translation of the licence is ready for collection within 24 hours of receipt of the document, on working days from Monday to Friday, subject to the opening hours of the Court of Rome's oath service. Requests received on a Friday or on the eve of a public holiday are ready on the next working day. Collection is at our office at Viale Giulio Cesare 71, in central Rome, close to the Civil Court; dispatch by courier is available on request.
What to send
- A legible photograph or scan of the licence, front and back, with all edges visible.
- A copy of the holder's identity document or passport, for the correct transcription of personal details.
- The language of the licence and, if held, the international driving permit.
For the sworn translation used for driving, a copy of the licence is sufficient; its nature is stated in the record. For the conversion of the licence at the Motor Vehicle Office, some offices require the translation to be attached to a certified copy or to the original: in that case the document is agreed at the time of the request.
When a sworn translation of the licence is required
- Driving in Italy on a non-EU licence during the first year of residence, as an alternative to the international driving permit.
- Conversion of the foreign licence into an Italian licence, for countries with reciprocity agreements, after taking up residence.
- Car hire and insurance procedures, where the company requires it.
- Administrative or judicial proceedings in which the licence must be produced as a document.
Licences issued by EU and EEA Member States do not require translation for driving in Italy.
How to request it
Simply send a photograph of the licence and of your identity document via WhatsApp to +39 335 6792461, by e-mail to info@traduzionigiurateroma.it or through the request form. Confirmation of timing is provided during office hours.
Does the sworn translation replace the international driving permit?
Yes. For driving in Italy, article 135 of the Highway Code allows, as an alternative to the international driving permit, an official Italian translation of the licence, to be shown together with the valid original licence.
How long is the translation valid?
The sworn translation has no expiry of its own: it remains valid as long as the translated licence is valid and unchanged.
Is the original licence required?
For driving, a legible copy is sufficient. For conversion at the Motor Vehicle Office, the requirements of the competent office must be checked, as a certified copy or the original is sometimes required.
Can I drive in Italy on my foreign licence after one year of residence?
No. One year after taking up residence, a non-EU licence must be converted, if convertible, or an Italian licence must be obtained. Driving beyond that period entails fines and withdrawal of the document.