Damaged or illegible driving licence: when to request a replacement

If your driving licence is so damaged that its details cannot be read or the document cannot be identified, request a replacement from the Motorizzazione. The damage procedure differs from the one for theft or loss and requires you to present the damaged document as instructed by the UMC.

Check whether the document is still legible

Check that the photograph, personal details, categories, dates and codes can be read and that the card is not broken or altered. Do not repair it with tape, lamination or stickers: these could cover important features and make verification harder. If you are unsure whether it is legible, ask the local Civil Motorisation Office (UMC) whether it needs replacing.

The Portale dell’Automobilista treats requests for damage separately from those following theft, loss or destruction. Damage does not require a report that the document is missing; instead, the damaged card must be handed in or shown as instructed for the application. Do not use loss forms, which ask for different information.

Apply with the documents requested

Check the current procedure at the relevant UMC and confirm the form, photograph, identity document, tax code and any required payments. Some ministerial instructions are published as attachments and may be updated: check the date and contact the office if your situation is not covered. If someone is applying on your behalf, ask which copies and authorisation documents are accepted.

Take the damaged document with you and explain which details are difficult to read. Do not send full scans of your driving licence to personal or unverified email addresses; use official channels. Before your appointment, check whether you need to book and whether the office requires originals, copies or a specific declaration.

While you wait for the replacement

If the card is too damaged to be checked, do not decide for yourself that you may drive. Ask the UMC or the authorities which substitute documents are valid while the application is being processed. Damage does not automatically give you the temporary permit that may be issued for some reports of theft or loss.

When the new document arrives, check straight away that the categories, details, codes and expiry date are correct. Report any errors to the office that issued the card. Keep receipts until the process is complete; after replacement, avoid retaining unnecessary copies containing personal data, especially on shared or unprotected devices.

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