Documents
Italian resident with a foreign-plated car: when must it be registered?
An Italian resident owning a foreign-registered vehicle generally has three months from residence to register it; REVE can apply to other uses.
ACI says an Italian resident who owns a vehicle registered abroad must generally register it in Italy within three months of acquiring residence. If a resident uses a vehicle registered abroad to a non-resident owner, a dated document proving the basis and duration of use is required; REVE registration can apply when availability exceeds 30 days in a calendar year, subject to exceptions.
The owner's three-month deadline
Article 93-bis of the Italian Highway Code and ACI guidance address vehicles registered abroad and used by people resident in Italy. If you own the foreign-registered vehicle and acquire residence in Italy, the general rule is to register the vehicle in Italy within three months. This is a vehicle registration deadline, separate from licence conversion and insurance duties.
Keep the date on which you acquired residence and check the current procedure, documents, taxes and exceptions with ACI or the competent Motorizzazione office. Do not assume that a foreign licence, a Green Card or a temporary trip changes the registration deadline. The exact outcome may depend on ownership and the vehicle's registration status.
Non-owner use and REVE
If you are resident in Italy but use a vehicle registered abroad to someone who is not resident in Italy, carry a dated document showing the legal basis and period of availability. ACI says that where availability exceeds 30 days in a calendar year, even non-consecutive, the title and duration must generally be recorded in REVE, subject to the exceptions described in its current guidance.
The 30-day REVE threshold is not the same as the owner's three-month registration period. Check the ACI REVE service and Article 93-bis for your exact arrangement, including company vehicles, leasing or family use. Keep the authorisation and vehicle documents in the car and ensure the insurance covers the driver and Italian use. Quiz Patente Ufficiale provides Italian theory and licence-category study with quizzes.
Study Italian vehicle categories and road theory with Quiz Patente Ufficiale chapters and quizzes.
Frequently asked questions
Does the three-month deadline apply to every foreign-plated car I use?
It generally concerns a resident who owns the vehicle. Non-owner use has separate documentation and possible REVE rules.
Is REVE registration required after 30 days in every case?
ACI describes a threshold for resident use of a non-resident-owned vehicle, subject to exceptions. Check the current guidance.