Lost car papers in Italy: duplicate, cost, report

You have lost your vehicle registration document, or worse, your car was stolen with the papers inside. First, it is not a disaster, but the procedure has a tight deadline for the police report and a cost that depends on whether the document was lost, stolen or damaged. This guide walks you through the steps, the fees and what to do if you need to sell the car in the meantime.

Libretto or Documento Unico: what we mean

Since 2020 newly registered cars come with the Documento Unico di Circolazione e di Proprietà (DU), which replaced the old carta di circolazione and the certificate of ownership. Many older cars still have the two separate papers. The procedure below applies to both, though the paperwork you bring differs slightly [1][2].

Step one: the police report within 48 hours

If the document is lost or stolen you must file a report with the police or carabinieri within 48 hours. A report made abroad must be repeated in Italy [1]. Without a report you cannot request a duplicate, either at the Motorizzazione or through an agency [2].

When you file, officers issue a provisional driving permit. From that moment the missing document is no longer valid, and if you find it you must destroy it [1]. Keep the permit and receipt with you at all times, since they can be asked for at a roadside check [3].

Step two: how the duplicate reaches you

The officers will point you to one of two routes [1]:

• Mailing by the ministry's Ufficio Centrale Operativo (UCO): you pay through PagoPA and the duplicate arrives by post. If nothing has come within 45 days of the provisional permit, you can call the free number 800 232 323 or email the address on the site.
• Application at the Motorizzazione: needed when the UCO cannot duplicate the document or the mailed copy was returned.

At the Motorizzazione bring form TT2119 (TT2120 if you go through an agency), the police report with a copy, the provisional permit with a copy, the certificate of ownership if you lost the libretto, and copies of your ID and tax code [1].

What the duplicate costs

Official figures depend on the case [1][2]:

• Loss or theft: 10.20 euro through PagoPA, tariff N007. The provisional permit is free; you pay for the duplicate.
• Damaged or destroyed document: 42.20 euro in total (10.20 euro in fees plus a 32 euro revenue stamp), tariff N003.
• Change of use of the vehicle: the same 42.20 euro, tariff N003.

If you use an agency or an ACI office, add their service fee and any postage or delegation charges: ask for a written quote that separates taxes from fees [3]. Some guides mention 32 euro even for loss when the personal details on the document do not match the owner's; that is a special case, so check with the office.

If the number plate is lost or stolen

Plates have their own procedure, with a police report and a request for new plates through the Motorizzazione or an agency. Costs and times vary and the sources we consulted do not report them consistently, so ask an office or ACI branch directly. Either way, do not drive without plates and keep your report.

Can I drive in the meantime?

Yes, with the provisional permit issued when you file the report, but the exact conditions (duration, use) should be confirmed with whoever issues it [3]. Avoid long trips or travel abroad until you have the duplicate in hand.

Selling the car without the document

A transfer of ownership needs the original document, so get the duplicate first. Doing it right away helps twice: you can close the sale without delay and you show the buyer that the paperwork is in order. If you are the buyer of a used car, always ask to see the original DU or libretto and ownership certificate: a recent duplicate is not a problem, but a police report should back it up. If in doubt, also check the PRA record for liens and holds.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting more than 48 hours before filing the report.
• Paying under the wrong tariff: loss and damage have different amounts.
• Leaving the provisional permit at home when you drive.
• Finding the original and continuing to use it instead of destroying it.
• Using an agency without asking for a written quote.

Takeaway: what to do today

Go to the police within 48 hours and get the report and the provisional permit. Follow their instruction on UCO or Motorizzazione. Pay 10.20 euro via PagoPA for loss or theft (42.20 euro if damaged). Keep the permit with you, and if you need to sell, wait for the duplicate before the ownership transfer.

Further reading

1. SicurAuto, Duplicato libretto di circolazione o documento unico: come averlo
2. Motorionline, Libretto auto: smarrimento, denuncia, copia duplicato
3. Automobilista.it, Quanto costa fare un nuovo libretto di circolazione duplicato