Motor Vehicles

Service members and dependents must have a SETAF license to register and drive a SETAF registered vehicle in Italy. To drive a motorcycle overseas, service members need an MFC Certificate and motorcycle endorsement on their U.S. license while dependents only need the endorsement.

Motor vehicle accident rates are high in Italy (2.5/person), most are due to excessive speed. Teenagers are not allowed to drive in Italy until the age of 18.

Any eligible Registrant is allowed to have a total of three vehicles registered in the AFI Vehicle Registration System (a motorcycle over 50cc is considered a vehicle).

All vehicles will be registered in the name of the Sponsor, who must have a valid SETAF driver’s license.

Important: Service members, dependents and DoD Civilians must have a SETAF license to drive a registered vehicle in the AFI system. To drive a motorcycle, service members need an MSF Certificate and motorcycle endorsement on their U.S. license, whilst civilian personnel and dependents only need the endorsement.

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

You are allowed to have three vehicles registered (a motorcycle is consider a vehicle), and annual vehicle inspection is mandatory. You will also be required to pay a road tax on the second vehicle. You must have a valid SETAF driver’s license. A minimum of six months auto insurance is required. You must also bring the old registration documents or the title for verification of ownership.

The primary vehicle is tax free and the tax-free fuel privilege is based upon the engine size of the vehicle (max 400 liters/month). The additional vehicles are free from Customs duty and IVA tax but are subject to payment of road taxes based on the vehicle HP/kw.

The mechanical and safety inspection is required on all vehicles within 15 days from the initial registration and not more than 60 days before a sale. The inspection is also required at the following times:

       Vehicles less than four years old → once the vehicle reaches four years of age.

Vehicles four to six years old → bi-annually.

Vehicles over six years old → on an annual basis.

The Vehicle Registration expires after a year from the initial registration, but the expiration date is shorter when:

Italian road taxes are due.

Sponsor’s Rotation date is reached.

The insurance coverage is less than six months.

Documents required for the initial registration:

• SETAF Driver's License
• ID Card
• US Driver's License
• Valid Insurance for Italy
• AESE FM 190-3C (E-5/GS-5 and below must have form signed by unit commander)
• Shipping Document and customs clearance
• Original title and/or Registration documents issued by the authority under whose jurisdiction the vehicle was previously operated.
• Assignment orders
• If the vehicle has been bought locally from an Italian Dealer or Italian Private Owner, you must also have customs documents (T1 or EX A), sale invoice, certificate of ownership or equivalent document and the Dealer or the Italian Private Owner needs to provide specific documentation so before you buy a vehicle from Italian Dealer or Italian Private Owner contact the Vehicle Registration Office
• If the Vehicle has been bought from an authorized dealership you must have customs documents (T1), sales invoice and certificate of ownership or equivalent document.

Documents required for the registration renewal:

Old registration

Updated insurance certificate

Copy of the vehicle inspection report

Vehicle Registration is located in building 703, next to the inspection office. Phone number VOIP 314-645-8181, COMM +39 050 9658181. Working Hours Mon – Fri 9 a.m.-noon / 1 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

In order to operate a vehicle in Italy you must obtain a SETAF drivers license. To obtain the SETAF driver's license, you must have a valid Stateside driver's license and attend Driver's Orientation prior to written testing. Testing is by appointment.

International Driver's License

An international license is required when traveling outside Italy. An international license may be obtained in the U.S. through the American Automobile Association. There are some exceptions to this policy which vary according to the area from which you are coming.

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Important Information, Please Note! -- When you are considering shipping a vehicle to Italy, it is important that you contact an insurance carrier to request an estimate of how much insurance will cost. On average, insurance can cost up to 20% more compared to the same coverage available stateside. The options that are available for insurance coverage in Italy are GEICO and USAA. GEICO and USAA Representatives are able to give you a free quote prior to the shipment of your vehicle. Please call GEICO at 800-248-4998 or USAA at 800-531-8111.

In order to operate a private owned vehicle/motorcycle or a non-tactical government vehicle in Italy, you must obtain a SETAF driver's license. In order for you to obtain a SETAF driver's license, you must be 18 and must possess a valid stateside license or a valid license from another country. Your stateside or other valid driver's license must be stamped with the appropriate "motorcycle qualification" in order to initiate a SETAF motorcycle qualification and license.

Darby Military Community: To operate any motorcycle or other two wheeled vehicle the registered owner/operator must be 18 years of age and have a motorcycle endorsement on the stateside license. Prior to registering and licensing all owners must provide proof of having attended a valid MSF course within the last three (3) years. The stateside title must reflect the sponsor as the owner of the motorcycle.

• When motorcycles are shipped as HHG, they must be packed in a separate container (Container # 1), which must be properly marked as containing a motorcycle/moped.
• Government Bill of Lading (GBL): Block 27 must indicate that the shipment consists of one lot of household goods and motorcycle (Make, model, year and serial number). It is vital that the VIN/Serial is correct on all original documentation.
• Inventory must include the make, model, year and serial number of the motorcycle.
• The Transportation Control and Movement Document (TCMD) must show the make, model, year and serial number of the motorcycle.
• A copy of the member's orders, GBL and inventory must be sent to the Camp Darby Customs Office, Unit 31301, Box 58, APO AE 09613.
• The Transportation Service Provider MUST ensure that the inventory is properly prepared, that the GBL contains the motorcycle data, that the Ocean Bill of Lading identifies the shipment as containing a motorcycle, and that advance documentation is forwarded to the General or Port Agent.
• FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN THE MOTORCYCLE BEING PLACED UNDER CUSTOMS BOND AND COULD RESULT IN THE RETURN OF THE MOTORCYCLE, CONFISCATION BY THE ITALIAN AUTHORITIES, FINES, PENALTIES AND PAYMENT OF IMPORTATION FEES.

Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Post speed limits are enforced.

Restricted areas on post are the Ammunition Area and the Livorno Training Area, Depot.

Photography on post is allowed only when authorized by PMO/MI.