queen_bean

As far as I understand, to replace a lost or stolen licence, the DVLA requires proof of residency in UK showing an address or addresses over the last 3 years, which I don't have.

At this point, I have resigned myself to making that dreaded visit to the motorizzazione and facing the consequences. God forbid, I'm beginning to feel like some notorious criminal!

Patty

Hi queenbean - I had a similar problem 2 yrs ago. If I were you I wouldnt go to the motorizazione instead go to your ACI office - mine were helpful and they can literally do it all for you. The medical is done by them and then you just hand over all the copies and the money (I think it was about 130 euros)
They simply convert your UK licence to an Italian one. You shouldnt have any problems so dont worry
(unless you are from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands......long story )

queen_bean

Hi Patty,

Thanks for your help. Have just returned from local ACI and unfortunately, no joy. They said they couldn't deal with the problem and told me to go to the motorizzazione.

Patty

sorry to hear that queenbean - obviously it depends where we live! Nothing in Italy is straightforward is it ? What works in one comune doesn't work in another. Anyway if you have any problems at the motorizzazione then let us know - it should be a very simple conversion of your licence. Don't let them tell you otherwise

queen_bean

Hi there again Patty,

Maybe I'm just panicking. Being told that I can't legally drive, and who knows how long for (on the local motorizzazione website it said that 'it could take up to 3 months' !!!). Heaven forbid.

I am also worried that they may make a fuss about the fact that I've been here for 23 years driving round with my UK licence or, and I think possibly worse still, that DVLA will make a fuss about the fact that they were never notified.

This is the first time I've taken part in a forum and I'd like to thank everyone who has tried to help.

modicasa

you were under no obligation to inform theDVLA as i said since this year you can use your UK licence until its expiry. If you have never renewed your UK licence and its still valid then as I see it, DVLC have a duty to provide at least the means to convert an Itlaian licence even if you dont have a UK address. Call the helpline and talk to someone, there may be a simple answer.

Patty

I was like you and had been driving here for a few years on my UK licence. Unfortunately for me (as I come from the Channel Islands) when the licence expired I had a lot of problems - but that shouldnt be the case for you. All my colleagues who have been here for 15/20 years still drive with their UK licences so as Modicasa says - maybe talk to someone at the DVLA ? My boss also renewed her UK licence and she's been here years. So don't worry - I'm sure things will come out fine in the end - and you can always come on here and have a moan - its very therapeutic

queen_bean

This is the update. The motorizzazione told me to contact the British Embassy requesting 'un attestazione di autenicita della patente'. OK.

I contacted the Embassy who then told me that they do not deal with driving licences and to contact the DVLA, which I am finding is extremely difficult.

I will keep trying to find a number and actually talk to someone at the DVLA.

old.sparkles

This is the info that Google throws up - https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla. Can't find any other numbers.

mikelincs

Are your colleagues licences the photolicences?, if so and they haven't renewed them, then they are out of date, if they haven't got photo licences, then they could have problems if they are stopped.

Snapper Bruce

There are some numbers here.
https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla
Ciao Bruce.

mikelincs

As OS stated two posts earlier..

Sancho

Try 01792 782341 (so 00441792 782341 if you're calling from Italy). Explain that you're abroad and their 08xx / 03xx numbers don't work.

Patty

I'm not sure Mike - we're all on holiday at the mo and so I'll ask them when we re-start school in September. Although one of them has a vigile hubby

mikelincs

I only asked because when I was living in Spain and asked the same question on the Spain forum, a huge number of people didn't realise that there was an expiry date on the photo licence, possibly assuming it expired on the same date their paper licence expired.