Can I drive in Italy with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Italy.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Italy, checked on 28 October 2026).
If you need a permit anyway (for example because your car hire company asks for one), the type is: 1968 (GOV.UK table).
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
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 1968 | You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP. If you hold a licence from the Isle of Man, you will need to get an IDP to drive in Italy. If you hold a paper driving licence, you’ll need to update it to a photocard licence or get an IDP. |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Italy: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Italy. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Italy travel advice, page updated 28 October 2026, checked on 28 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
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 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
Taking your dog or cat? Pet rules from the UK to Italy: animal health certificate, rabies
Other licences in Italy
| Licence | In Italy | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Italy
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Italy with a UK photocard driving licence?
No. GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Italy.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Italy, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Italy with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Italy.”
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.