I have lost my driving licence — how do I get a duplicate?
'Patente' = pa-TEN-teh. 'Duplicato' = doo-plee-KA-toh. Stress on first syllable of 'duplicato'.
After losing your Italian driving licence — understanding the replacement process.
'Ottenere' (to obtain) is a formal verb, appropriate for official processes. The Italian 'patente di guida' is now a credit-card format document issued by the MIT (Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport). To replace a lost licence: file a 'denuncia di smarrimento', go to the Motorizzazione Civile with the denuncia and a photo, pay fees (~€9 government fee + agency costs). Processing takes 3-6 weeks. A temporary permit ('permesso provvisorio') can be issued immediately.
Posso guidare con il permesso provvisorio?
Can I drive with the provisional permit?
Yes — it is legally valid while waiting for the duplicate.
Devo fare l'esame di nuovo se perdo la patente?
Do I have to take the test again if I lose my licence?
No — a duplicate is issued; no re-examination required.
La mia patente straniera è valida in Italia?
Is my foreign driving licence valid in Italy?
EU licences are always valid. Non-EU: check bilateral agreements.
Italian driving licences are issued by the Motorizzazione Civile (MIT) via network of approved agencies (autoscuole, patronati, CAF). Since 2013 they are credit-card format and valid throughout the EU. Points-based system ('patente a punti') starts at 20 points; certain violations deduct points. Reaching 0 points results in suspension.