Buying a car
The following documents are required when purchasing a car in Italy:
- Proof of residency (EU citizens) or 'Permesso di soggiorno' (non-EU citizens)
- Italian ID card or valid passport with visa/residence permit
- ‘Codice fiscale’ (Italian tax code)
- Proof of insurance cover
EU citizens can only purchase a car in Italy if they are officially resident. Those relocating with a car may find it helpful to drive to Italy and use their current vehicle temporarily while awaiting confirmation of residency. They can then sell it and purchase an Italian-registered car.
Since 2018, in Italy, it has been mandatory for anyone permanently residing in the country for more than 60 days to register any vehicle with foreign licence plates locally and switch to Italian plates.
Non-residents generally cannot buy and register a car in Italy unless they obtain a 'Certificato di Domicilio' from the local Comune. However, acceptance of this document is inconsistent, and most authorities now require full residency for registration.
Once you buy a car, the 'Passaggio di Proprietà' (transfer of ownership) must be completed within 60 days. You can do this at an 'Agenzia di Pratiche Automobilistiche', an 'Automobile Club d’Italia' (ACI) office, or the local 'Motorizzazione Civile'.
If you buy the car from a dealer, they will typically handle the ownership transfer for you. The following documents are required to transfer ownership of a second-hand car:
- Atto di Vendita (act of sale)
- Certificato di Proprietà digitale (digital vehicle ownership certificate)
- Carta di Circolazione (registration certificate)
- Proof of residency (EU citizens) or Permesso di soggiorno (non-EU citizens)
Until the change of ownership has been officially registered, the former owner remains legally responsible for taxes, fines, or accidents involving the vehicle. You can confirm registration with the 'Pubblico Registro Automobilistico' (PRA) by contacting the 'Automobile Club d’Italia' (ACI) and providing the licence plate number.
The cost of registering the car as a new owner can range from around €300 to more than €1,500, depending on the vehicle type and specifications.
If a foreign-plated car is imported into Italy, it must be registered in Italy within 60 days. This is arranged through the local Motorizzazione Civile. The process can be complex and time-consuming, and the cost is similar to registering an Italian-plated car.
Bollo (car tax)
In Italy, car tax ('bollo auto') must be paid annually on every vehicle, even if it is not currently being driven. Failing to show a valid payment receipt may result in fines. Unpaid taxes must be settled regardless of any change in ownership.
The amount due is calculated based on the car's power (in kW), fuel type, and EU emissions class. Payments can be made at your local 'Automobile Club d’Italia' (ACI) office, online, or at authorised outlets such as tobacconists ('tabaccheria'), banks, or post offices ('Poste Italiane'). You will need the vehicle logbook ('libretto'), ID card, and 'Codice fiscale'.
Revisione (MOT)
In Italy, all vehicles must undergo a 'Revisione' (the equivalent of the UK MOT) after four years from the date of first registration, and every two years thereafter. The test is carried out at authorised 'Centro Revisioni Auto'.
The results are recorded in the vehicle's 'Libretto'. If the car is found without a valid Revisione during a police check, the owner may be fined and the vehicle could be impounded.
Repairs
Mechanical repairs are carried out at an 'Officina', while bodywork repairs are handled by a 'Carrozzeria'. Some garages offer both services.
Breakdown
Breakdown services in Italy are coordinated by the 'Automobile Club d’Italia' (ACI). They provide 24/7 emergency recovery services and offer pre-paid assistance plans similar to the AA in the UK. They can be contacted nationwide on emergency number 116 or via the ACI website.
Car insurance
Car insurance in Italy is mandatory and typically more expensive than in other countries. It applies to the vehicle, not the driver. As such, policies do not include a no-claims bonus in the traditional sense, although discounts may be offered for careful driving history. You do not need to list named drivers.
The main options are:
Kasco:
This is equivalent to comprehensive insurance in the UK, but may come with restrictions or exclusions—check the policy details carefully.
Responsabilità civile:
Third-party liability cover (minimum legal requirement)
Incendio-furto:
Fire and theft protection
Infortuni del conducente:
Driver injury cover for accidents where the driver is at fault
Servizio assistenza:
Roadside assistance services
Driving Licence
In Italy, mopeds can be driven from the age of 14, and cars from the age of 18. The standard Italian driving licence is valid for 10 years until the age of 50, then must be renewed every five years. After age 70, renewals are required every three years.
EU citizens with a valid EU-format driving licence may continue using it in Italy if they are resident. It is advisable, but not mandatory, to register the licence with the Motorizzazione.
EU citizens with old-style paper licences are required to convert them within 2 years of becoming resident.
Non-EU citizens, including those from the US, Canada, and Australia, must exchange or retake the driving test within 12 months of residency. Italy does not have a reciprocal agreement with these countries for automatic licence conversion.
Driving without a valid licence may result in large fines and invalidate your insurance in case of an accident. Visit your local ACI office for more information.
Rules & Regulations
Frequent roadside checks are conducted in Italy. If stopped, the police expect you to carry the following documents:
- Italian ID card or valid photo ID
- Valid driving licence or a receipt showing it's being converted
- Car tax receipt ('bollo')
- Proof of valid insurance (paper or digital)
- Logbook ('libretto') with current Revisione (if the car is more than four years old)
It is also mandatory to carry bright yellow high-visibility jackets in the car. These must be worn if you exit the vehicle on an autostrada or in case of breakdown or accident.
Dipped headlights are required on major roads and in tunnels. Many drivers keep them on at all times to avoid confusion or fines.
Your driving licence, ID, and vehicle registration document must all show your current address. Fines may be issued if the address is incorrect.
In some areas, particularly mountainous regions, it is mandatory to carry snow chains or have winter tyres during the colder months. Roadside signs will indicate when and where they are required.
