The international driving licence
Need to drive abroad, outside the European Union? You'll likely need an International Driving Permit , commonly known as an international driving license.
Alternatively, you can provide a certified translation of your driving license into the language of the country you intend to visit — but an international permit is almost always the quickest and most recognized option.
🌍 The two models
There are two types of international permit, which differ in the international convention to which they refer and in their duration:
- 1 year Model Geneva Convention of 1949
- 3 years Vienna Model Convention of 1968
In Italy, you can obtain both models. Some countries accept both, others only one : the choice therefore depends on where you're going.
Check before you travel. To find out exactly which documents are required in your destination country, contact the consular authorities of that country before traveling. Rules change over time and vary from country to country.
For more information, you can consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website viaggiaresicuri.it , where you can find the updated information for each country.
How much is it really worth?
The international permit's validity never exceeds that of your Italian driving license: if your license expires first, it expires with it. It's also a document that accompanies your Italian driving license, not replaces it —you'll need to carry both with you abroad.
It's not required for the European Union. In EU and European Economic Area countries, an Italian driving license is sufficient. An international permit is required for non-EU countries.
📋 What you need to request it
- Driving license
- 2 passport-size photos (specifications), one of which must be certified by the municipal officeSee the photo specifications on the dedicated page.
€100
Complete paperwork.
⏱️ When to request it
Please make arrangements well in advance of your departure: the process goes through the Department of Motor Vehicles, and we don't control the timing. If you already have your travel dates, bring them to us: we'll let you know right away if we're on time, and if you're pressed for time, we'll discuss alternatives together.
Are you leaving soon?
Stop by a driving school or call us: we'll check which model you need for your destination country and start the process right away.