If you live in the UK and hold an Italian driving licence, you may wonder: should I renew or exchange it?
The answer is clear: you cannot renew an Italian licence in the UK – you must exchange it through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
Thanks to the bilateral agreement between Italy and the UK, the process is now straightforward and applies to almost all Italian drivers in Britain.
Exchange vs Renewal: the difference
🔑 Exchange: the standard route. Your Italian licence can be exchanged for a UK licence, even if it is expired, lost, or stolen.
🚫 Renewal: only possible in very specific cases – when your Italian licence was originally converted from a non-EU/non-agreement country.
In this situation, renewal is handled by the Italian Consulate in London and requires:
- a consular certificate
- a mandatory medical examination
which can be booked at Dottore London.
Book A Mandatory Medical Examination
DVLA procedure for exchanging your licence:
1. Go to gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence
2. Select “Italy” as issuing country.
3. Complete the form online or request form D1 at the Post Office.
4. Send the form + Italian licence + photo + DVLA fee.
5. Receive your UK photocard driving licence by post.
👉 Tip: make a copy or photo of your Italian licence before sending it.
Quick FAQs
Can I drive in the UK with an Italian licence?
Yes, but only for a limited time as a resident.
My licence has expired: can I still exchange it?
Yes.
I lost my Italian licence: can I still exchange it?
Yes, with the required declarations.
If I return to Italy, will I get my Italian licence back?
Yes, through automatic reconversion at the Italian Motorizzazione Civile.
Practical note
Exchanging your licence early prevents issues with insurance, deadlines, or lost documents.
For the rare cases where renewal is required, remember a medical check-up is mandatory – a service provided at Dottore London.