Motor vehicles and driving licenses

Confirmation of Validity of an Italian Driver’s License

Pursuant to Circular No. 107 of October 14, 1997, issued by the Italian Ministry of Transport, Italian citizens residing abroad and duly registered with A.I.R.E. may request confirmation of the validity of their Italian driver’s license¹ through the competent diplomatic or consular authority.

Under Article 126, paragraph 9, of the Italian Highway Code, it is possible to renew a driver’s license at this Consulate General starting four months prior to its expiration date, provided that the applicant has been registered with A.I.R.E. for at least six months and that the license has not been expired for more than five years.

Application Procedure

To obtain confirmation of the validity of a driver’s license, the applicant must:
• undergo a medical examination with a physician authorized to issue certificates for driver’s license renewal. The cost of the examination is entirely borne by the applicant. The Consulate General does not have affiliated or “designated physicians”;
• send the required documentation by mail to the following address:
Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco
(Attn: Driver’s License Renewal)
2590 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

The documentation must include:
1. a clear photocopy (front and back) of the Italian driver’s license, expired no more than five years;
2. a medical fitness certificate issued no earlier than 30 days prior (see medical form). The form may be completed by two different physicians (one for vision and one for hearing). An ophthalmologist is acceptable; an optician is not. Physicians must indicate their professional licensing body on the form and provide their signature;
3. a photocopy of proof of residence (e.g., U.S. driver’s license or a utility bill);
4. a money order payable to “Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco” for the total amount set forth in the Consular Fee Schedule (Art. 66D);
5. a self-addressed, prepaid “Priority Mail” envelope with tracking number (available exclusively through USPS), indicating the applicant’s address for the return of the documentation.

The Consulate General declines any responsibility for delays or issues attributable to postal services.

After verifying the documentation and the credentials of the certifying physician, the Consulate General will issue a renewal certificate, which must be kept together with the original driver’s license.

Please note that Italian Consulates cannot issue a new driver’s license card; only a renewal certificate bearing the Consular seal will be issued.

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Return to Italy

Holders of a driver’s license who transfer their residence to Italy are required to complete the standard renewal procedure within six months of their return, pursuant to Article 126, paragraph 8, of the Italian Highway Code, even if the certificate issued by the Consulate is still valid.

Please note that this Consulate General cannot guarantee that the renewal certificate issued by the Consulate will be recognized as valid for driving in the United States.

IMPORTANT – Lost or Stolen Driver’s License

The Consulate General cannot issue duplicate licenses or temporary driving documents.
For these cases, please refer to the instructions provided by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport at the following link:
https://www.mit.gov.it/smarrimento-furto-patente

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For further information, please visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation:
https://www.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/autoveicoli_e_patenti/