Driving in Italy: What you Need to be Legal and How to Get It
Visiting Italy and planning to drive? Here you’ll find what is legally required for driving in Italy. If you’re from the U.S., you’ll also find out how, when, and where to get the documents you need.
To drive in Italy as a non European Union (EU) visitor you must have a valid driver’s license from your country and either:
- an official Italian translation or
- an International Driving Permit (IDP).
You must have one of these and your driver’s license along with you when driving in Italy. And, it must be a hard copy document. Digital versions are not accepted in Italy.
Why should I get an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an Official Translation for Driving in Italy?
I’ve driven in Italy many times and I’m always surprised at what I see when I pick up my rental cars. During the paperwork process, many people only provide their driver’s license.
Usually this works with no problem. Except when it doesn’t.
You never know when you’ll come across a company or an employee that enforces the requirement. At the very least, I find that having an IDP expedites the rental car pick up process.
Not convinced yet? Under Italian law, it is a violation to not carry an IDP or official translation along with your license. Let’s review key points from Article 135 of the Italian Motor Vehicle Code to see what can happen if you don’t have an IDP or official translation:
Committing a violation:
- If you violate the rules, your driver’s license will be taken and either suspended or revoked. It will be kept during a typical review period of 20 days. Afterward, you must request its return and specify an address in Italy for official notifications.
Documentation that isn’t legal:
- If you don’t have an IDP or official translation that meets Italy’s legal standards you may be subject to fines ranging from 80 to 317 euros.
Operating a vehicle with only a non-Italian driver’s license:
- Driving without the required IDP or official translation, even if you have a valid driver’s license, can result in fines between 408 and 1,634 euros.
Police in Italy often set up random check points and wave cars over. So, you don’t have to do something wrong to get pulled over to have your documentation checked.
Hopefully, you’re convinced. If not, weigh this against the fact that compliance only costs a little time with a minimal price tag. So, let’s discuss which document to get.
International Driving Permit vs. Official Translation
First, both serve the same purpose…so officials can read and understand the information on your driver’s license while you are in Italy.
These are translations of your license, not a license to drive. You must have one of these AND your driver’s license with you while driving.
All must be hard copies of the documents. Nothing in digital format is acceptable.
International Driving Permit: What it is
It is important to know what an International Driving Permit is and isn’t. It is a mini booklet that you take with you to Italy. Inside are pages of translations in different languages.
On the back cover, your completed IDP has personal details about you along with your picture. AAA also stamps it.
If you search online, you’ll see many sites that say they provide IDPs, many with glowing customer reviews. However, all but one are frauds. Because this is so critical, I’ve pulled the words directly from usa.gov, the U.S. Government’s official web portal:
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the official organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. Beware of others that claim to do this. They are scams trying to get your money and/or personal information.
If you use one of the fraudulent sites, you may get a deliverable, but it won’t be legal. At best it will be a translation. But it won’t be an official translation. Read on to know the difference.
Official Translations: What They Are and How to Get One
Getting an official translation is more expensive and complicated than an IDP. However, it is an important option in two situations:
- You’re traveling to Italy within the next month. (But contact your nearest AAA about its IDP processing time first).
- You are in Italy right now and want to be able to drive while you’re there. (When overseas, you still have the choice of getting an IDP. But they say to allow 5-7 weeks which in most cases isn’t workable.)
If either of these scenarios is yours, read on.
Options for Driver’s License Translation
The key word in the Italian law is “official”. You want to make sure the translation meets legal requirements in Italy. A starting point to do this is on the U.S. Embassy website, which provides lists of English-speaking attorneys practicing in Italy who can help you.
Each listing includes the attorney’s contact information and areas of practice. Many on the list have areas of practice that include “services of a certified translator”, which is what you want. Some also have US correspondents that they work with, which can be a plus.
Another option are firms providing translation services online and there are many of them. However, it can be difficult to figure out which are acceptable. If you want to go this route here are things to check:
- Can they answer the question – Do I need a sworn translation, a certified translation, a license with an apostille?
- Is the translator certified in English to Italian by the American Translators Association (ATA)? This certification is a respected and recognized credential for translators and certification. Membership is worldwide. So, it is a good indicator that you’re on the right track.
You can find online translation services using this search term:
TRADUZIONI GIURATE PATENTI STRANIERE
In English, this basically translates to “sworn translations of foreign licenses”.
However, if you have the time before your trip, an IDP is the easiest and least expensive route.
International Driving Permit: How to Get One
Am I Eligible to get an IDP?
To get an International Driving Permit, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is a $20 fee, plus tax if applicable. Since tax can vary by location, check with the office where you apply for the exact amount.
Also, if you apply through the mail and want faster service you can add in the extra shipping cost. Calculate this using the following links – for USPS, for FedEx.
How do I Apply for an International Driving Permit?
The application process is easy. You have two options – apply in person at a AAA Travel office or apply through the mail.
To decide which works best for you, go to the AAA office locator and type in your zip code. You’ll get a listing of those in your area with each office’s address, hours, and contact information.
Apply in Person
To apply in person, you need to take the following in with you:
- A completed IDP application form
- Two identical, recent passport pictures with your name signed on the back of each. (Note that some AAA offices provide passport photo services.)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
Payment options vary by office. So, check before you go in.
Apply by Mail
When applying by mail, include the following:
- A completed IDP application form
- Two identical and recent passport pictures with your name signed on the back of each.
- A photocopy of both sides of your driver’s license
- A check or money order (no cash) to cover the fee ($20) plus any tax and added amount for expedited shipping if desired. Check with the AAA office to be sure of the required amount before mailing.
Make sure to complete your address on the application form in the lower right. This is the return label they use to send the IDP to you.
When should I apply for an International Driving Permit?
On the application form, you must write the date you want your IDP to become effective. Importantly, this date must be within 6 months of when you apply.
IDPs are valid for one year. So, if you travel to Italy often, always check to make sure yours will be current for your next trip.
Once you receive your IDP, be sure to sign the line below your photograph on the back page. When that is done, you’re good to go and ready for driving in Italy!
Still deciding where to go? Check out this Amazing Italy Itinerary: 10 Days of Delights in Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Buon Viaggio!!
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