Can I drive in Italy with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on whether you carry a translation of your licence instead of an IDP. Smartraveller says: “If you're not a resident, you'll need both: an Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences will not be accepted); an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an official translation of the Australian licence” (Smartraveller advice for Italy, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Italy: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
If you're not a resident, you'll need both:
- an Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences will not be accepted)
- an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an official translation of the Australian licence
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
You must get an official translator (traduttore giurato) to translate your licence in Italy. Find a list of official translators in the Italian Yellow Pages.
If you take up legal residence (residenza) and stay more than 1 year, you must apply for an Italian licence. Italy doesn't allow you to convert your Australian licence, meaning you'll have to take written and driving exams in Italian. You can do the exam in German or French in some cases.
Contact an Italian embassy or consulate to find out about obtaining an Italian driver's licence.
Source: Smartraveller: Italy, page updated 12 October 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Italy
Hiring a car in Italy? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Hiring a car in Italy? How to pay tolls in Italy with a rental car
Driving in Italy this winter? Winter tyres and snow chains in Italy with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Milan
Other licences in Italy
| Licence | In Italy | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Italy
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Italy with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on whether you carry a translation of your licence instead of an IDP. Smartraveller says: “If you're not a resident, you'll need both: an Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences will not be accepted); an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an official translation of the Australian licence” (Smartraveller advice for Italy, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Italy with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “If you're not a resident, you'll need both: an Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences will not be accepted); an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an official translation of the Australian licence”
Which international driving permit do I need for Italy?
The Smartraveller advice for Italy does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.