Exporting a Car from Italy 2026: PRA Cancellation, Foglio di Via and Customs

The Italian car export framework in 2026

Permanent export of an Italian-registered vehicle requires deregistration from the PRA (Pubblico Registro Automobilistico) managed by ACI (Automobile Club d’Italia) and the issuance of a foglio di via (export plates) by the Motorizzazione Civile. The legal basis is D.Lgs. 285/1992 (Codice della Strada) and the Regolamento Esecutivo (DPR 495/1992), updated in 2024 with full digital integration via STA (Sportello Telematico dell’Automobilista) — the unified vehicle administration portal.

From 1 January 2026, all PRA cancellations are processed digitally; the libretto di circolazione (registration certificate) is now the documento unico di circolazione e proprieta (DUCP), introduced by D.Lgs. 98/2017 and operative since 2020 — a single document combining ownership and circulation data. The DUCP is a mandatory input for any export procedure.

Step-by-step deregistration from PRA

1. Choose the export channel. Options: STA agency (cost €70-120, fastest), Motorizzazione direct (longest queues), ACI office (mid-range), or via a notaio for high-value vehicles. STA agencies are the most efficient for non-resident applicants.

2. Gather documents. DUCP original, identity document, codice fiscale, AIRE certificate or proof of foreign residence, foreign address, target country and intended re-registration plate (if known). For company vehicles, add visura camerale less than 6 months old. For leased vehicles, written consent of the leasing company is mandatory.

3. Pay the IPT and bolli. Imposta Provinciale di Trascrizione is partially refundable for export deregistration. Stamp duties around €34. The export fee varies by region but typically €50-90.

4. Receive the certificato di radiazione per esportazione. Issued same-day at STA agencies (24-72h via Motorizzazione). This is the document the destination country requires for re-registration.

5. Apply for foglio di via. The temporary export plates valid for 60 days for one-way drive to the destination country. Cost €25-40. Required if you intend to drive the car out of Italy yourself; not needed if shipping by truck/train.

Re-registration in the new country

Each EU country has different procedures. Most accept the Italian certificato di radiazione plus DUCP for type-approval recognition. Non-EU countries (UK post-Brexit, Switzerland, Norway, USA) generally require additional inspections and may apply import duties.

Insurance and Green Card

Once exported, the Italian RC Auto (third-party liability insurance) is normally cancelled by the insurer (Generali, Allianz, UnipolSai, AXA, Reale Mutua) on confirmation of PRA cancellation. Pro-rata refunds of the unused premium are common — request explicitly. Some insurers require 30 days notice; check your specific contract.

For driving the car to the destination country, ensure your Carta Verde (Green Card) extends to the destination if non-EU/EEA. The Green Card is required for entry to UK, Switzerland, Albania, Bosnia and most Balkan / Middle Eastern countries. EU/EEA does not require a Green Card — the licence plate is sufficient under the multilateral agreement.

The bollo (annual road tax) settlement

The bollo auto (regional vehicle tax) is paid annually based on power (kW) and pollution class. Upon PRA cancellation for export, the seller / exporter is liable for bollo only up to the month of cancellation. Outstanding bollo must be settled — most regions issue a bollettino prerempito at the STA agency. Some regions (Lombardia, Veneto) offer pro-rata refund of advance-paid bollo for the months after export.

Failure to deregister with PRA results in continued bollo liability — the Agenzia delle Entrate-Riscossione can issue a cartella esattoriale up to 3 years after the missed payment, plus 30% sanction and interest.

Special cases: classic cars, leased cars, financed cars

Classic cars (auto storiche)

Cars registered as auto storiche (>30 years) with ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) certification benefit from reduced bollo. Export deregistration removes ASI status — the destination country may not recognise the historical classification, affecting insurance premiums and import duty. Some EU countries (Germany H-Kennzeichen, France carte grise de collection) re-instate historical status after 30 years of registration in the new country.

Leased and rental cars

Leasing contracts with Leasys, Arval, Alphabet typically prohibit international export without prior written consent. Penalties for unauthorised export run €1,000-5,000 plus contract termination. Always coordinate with the leasing company at least 60 days before departure. Many providers offer cross-border continuation of the lease for stays within the EU/EEA.

Financed cars

Cars with finanziamento (auto loan) or a fermo amministrativo (administrative hold by Agenzia delle Entrate-Riscossione) cannot be deregistered. Settle the financing or release the fermo before initiating PRA cancellation. ACI verifies the registry status during application.

Shipping vs driving the car

For destinations within driving range (within 1500 km), self-driving with the foglio di via is most economical at €200-500 in fuel and tolls. For longer distances or overseas (UK, Norway, USA, Australia), professional auto-transport is preferred. Italian ports (Genova, La Spezia, Salerno, Livorno) handle most international shipping. RoRo (roll-on roll-off) container shipping costs €800-2,500 within Europe and €1,500-4,500 for transatlantic routes.

For shipping, the foglio di via is not strictly needed — the certificato di radiazione plus DUCP and shipping bill of lading suffice. Coordinate with your moving company (see our customs guide) for combined household goods + vehicle shipping.