Driving a car on rural road in Italy (vvoennyy (123RF))
USAG Italy requires a SETAF license for all drivers.
The Southern European Task Force (SETAF) license is only valid in NATO countries, though not all recognize it. An International Driving Permit (IDP) or Italian driver’s license is recommended for trips outside of Italy.
Drivers must be 18 years old or older.
You have the option to take the SETAF course and exam in person or online.
In person: Take the driver’s orientation class at the Central Processing facility, take the SETAF license test and submit documentation at the Driver’s Testing Office.
Online: Register at jko.jten.mil, take the USA-007 U.S. Forces Driver’s Training Program for Europe course and pass exam, print both pre-course and final exam certificates and submit with documentation at the Driver’s Testing Office.
Required documents:
AEF 1901T
Current U.S. driver’s license
Military ID
Copy of Orders
JKO certificates (if taken online)
For details and class or exam scheduling visit www.afsbeurope.army.mil/Logistics-Readiness-Centers/LRC-Italy/Drivers-Testing-Italy.
Aviano Air Base requires an AFI license for all drivers.
The Allied Forces in Italy (AFI) license is only valid in Italy. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) for trips outside of Italy.
The active-duty sponsor must be issued their AFI license before dependents may apply.
All drivers must be 18 years old or older.
Download study material from 31fss.com/driving-overseas
Complete the online test. It has 100 questions, and you may only miss 10 to pass.
Submit application online.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
To drive outside of Italy, it is recommended that you obtain a yearly IDP from www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html for $20.
Italian Driver’s License
It is possible to get an Italian driver’s license which is valid for five to ten years, depending on your age. This license will allow you to drive in any European country. These cost roughly 270 euros and requires an application, a SETAF/AFI license, a Codice Fiscale and copy of your passport. Visit the Driver’s Testing Office for applications and details.
If you want to ride a motorcycle while in Italy, you must have a motorcycle classification on your U.S. license, have an AFI/SETAF license, attend a motorcycle safety course or have an approved rider course card. Motorcyclists can only operate a motorcycle of 35 kW or less.
From Nov. 15 to Apr. 15, you must have winter tires (M+S/All Weather) installed or have snow chains in your vehicle. Road conditions and requirements vary throughout Italy. Contact your base Safety Office for specific rules.
Get your copy of the Stripes Road Guide
Traveling car in national flag of Italy colors and beautiful road landscape (vepar5 (123RF))
At Aviano, vehicles must be registered at the 31st Security Forces Squadron AMVRO before the vehicle can be picked up from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC).
Receive the vehicle arrival email from VPC. Complete the attached 302 customs form. Receive an email with a cover plate assignment.
Set up insurance.
Complete registration online or make a reservation to complete it in person. Required paperwork:
PCS orders / Logistical Support Letter (DOD civilians) / DOCPERS (contractors)
CAC or Dependent ID
U.S. driver’s license
AFI driver’s license
Five euros in cash
Proof of insurance (with VIN, policy number and dates)
Receive a registration completion email. Pick up vehicle registration and plates.
Go to the VPC to install plates and pick up the vehicle. Bring safety equipment to place in the car (orange vest, triangle and first aid kit).
Safety inspection at VPC.
Submit safety inspection at the registration office and receive fuel card authorization to take to AAFES for Fuel Card (primary vehicle only).
At USAG Italy – Vicenza, vehicles are registered and picked up at the VPC in Torri di Quartesolo. A shuttle bus is available to the VPC.
At USAG Italy – Camp Darby, the vehicle registration office in building 113. Vehicles are picked up at the Livorno VPC.
Receive the arrival email from VPC.
Register the vehicle with the following paperwork:
Military ID
SETAF driver’s license
U.S. driver’s license
Proof of ownership (title)
Shipping document
PCS orders, DOCPERS (contractors), Logistical support letter (DOD civilians)
Cash for registration fees
Power of Attorney, if needed
Get a license plate number.
Set up and print proof of insurance.
Pick up registration and plates at the office. Bring proof of insurance and all other documentation.
Vehicle Inspection at the VPC.
Install License plate (best to bring tools to the VPC).
Vehicle Safety Inspection. Bring all paperwork and required vehicle safety items: orange vest, warning triangle and first aid kit.
Submit inspection form to registration office and get fuel coupon to take to AAFES for Fuel Card (one vehicle only).
All vehicles assigned to USAG Italy are required to be inspected and registered annually.
Vehicles assigned to Aviano require an annual inspection if the manufacture date is less than five years old.
Things to double-check before an inspection
Vehicle registration is valid.
Safety equipment is in the vehicle: First-aid kit, warning triangle and reflective vest.
Light are all in working order.
Tires are not excessively worn. During winter, all-season or M+S tires must be used.
Brake pads are not worn.
Windshield is not cracked.
Vehicle body is not missing parts.
You have the option to buy a new or used car from dealers and private sellers in Italy. There is no tax when buying a vehicle from another military member.
Keep in mind
• Any vehicle that doesn’t have U.S. specifications (specs) cannot be shipped to the U.S.
• Used automatic transmission vehicles may be difficult to find.
• Get approval through a bona fide financial institution if financing a vehicle.
Driving
• Driving is fast paced in Italy and Italian drivers may come across as impatient.
• Italians do not consider it rude to tailgate.
• Horns are used excessively, so it is difficult to determine who they are intended for. Try to notice what is happening and ignore the extra beeping.
• Hazard lights are used to indicate that traffic is slow and attention is needed.
NATO Forces Fuel Cards are only available to be used with one primary vehicle. The cards exclude Italian taxes, which saves roughly 40 percent of fuel costs.
NATO Forces Fuel Card
• Allows you to pay for fuel at the current tax-free price.
• The vehicle’s engine size, engine base, horsepower and fuel equipment determine the ration amount.
• After registration you will receive a fuel card approval. Take this to your local AAFES to get your Fuel Card.
•. The card is accepted only at ENI and AGIP stations.
• To use the card, swipe or insert the card and enter your secure PIN.
• Fuel transactions are billed to the payment method provided during registration.
• You will receive a bi-weekly invoice as well as a monthly statement.
Where to get gas
There are no gas stations on any U.S. military installation in Italy.
Only two Italian gas stations will take your NATO Fuel Card: AGIP and ENI.
To pump fuel
• ”Benzina” - Unleaded gas
• ”Gasolio” - Diesel
• “Fai dat Te” - Self-service station
• ”Servito” - Full-service station
• Blue pump - Diesel+
• Green pump - Super unleaded gas (95 Octane)
• Yellow pump - Super-S (98) or Super+ (100)
