To get a used Italian registered car in Italy, you should have:
- Proof of residency (EU citizens) or Permesso di Soggiorno (non-EU citizens)
- Italian ID card or some other proof of identity
- Codice fiscale
- Proof of insurance cover
To transfer the ownership of a second hand car you need these documents:
- Atto di Vendita (act of sale)
- Certificato di Proprietà (vehicle documents)
- Carta di Circolazione (registration certificate)
- Proof of residency (EU citizens) or Permesso di Soggiorno (non-EU citizens)
Up until the change of ownership is registered, it’s the original owner that is responsible for taxes, accidents or motoring offences. You can check the registration has been completed by looking at the ‘Pubblico Registro Automobilistico’ (PRA) which you can get by contacting the ‘Auotomobile Club D’Italia’ (ACI) and providing the licence plate details.
You need to pay car tax whether you’re using the car or not and the amount depends upon the type of car, fuel, emission grades etc. You pay this to your local ‘Auotomobile Club D’Italia’ (ACI) office or online and curiously, at a bar, tabaccheria, bank, or post office. To pay for the tax, you need the ‘Libretto’ (logbook), your ID card and ‘Codice Fiscale’.Revisione (MOT)
All cars over 4 yrs old need a ‘Revisione’ (the Italian equivalent of an MOT in the UK) every 2 years. You get this at your local ‘Centro Revisioni Auto’. Once it’s been done, it’s entered into the Libretto. If it’s out of date, you’ll get a fine.Breakdown and Car Insurance
Breakdown services are coordinated by the ‘Automobile Club D’Italia’ (ACI). Contact them in an emergency on 116.
Car insurance
In Italy it’s the car that’s insured and not the driver. There’s no “no claims bonus” as a consequence.
The main options are:
- Kasco : Fully comp (ish)
- Responsabilità civile : Third party
- Incendio-furto : Fire and theft
- Infortuni dei conducente : Covers the driver if there was an accident which was the fault of the driver.
- Servizio assistenza : Roadside assistance
You’ll get an insurance disc once you’ve purchased it and you need to put it on your car windscreen.
If you’re a EU citizen and have a card style driving license then you can continue to use it in Italy. If you’ve got an old paper one, you need to get it authenticated within 12 months of arrival or get it converted to an Italian license. There’ll be a large fine etc. if you don’t have a license. Your driving license and all the other docs need to have your correct up to date address on otherwise there’s a fine.
Here are some links:
http://www.understandingitaly.com/living-content/motoring.html
movetoitaly 
Dear Sir/ Madam
I am trying to buy a new car in Italy as a EU national with a second home in Italy but not with permanent resident in Italy.
However, the dealership has advised me that this is not possible without residence certificate.
However, you mention in the above article : “though apparently you can buy one if you have close connections with the country e.g. family perhaps or you’ve bought a house there”
Are you able to advise me where I can obtain the confirmation of the above legal right / or practice so I can inform dealership and proceed.
Thank you in advance for your kind assistance
Regards
Steen Hansen
Hi Steen, Apologies for the delayed response. You know, I never uncovered how you could do it without having a residency here. Lots of friends have struggled with the same thing. I have friends that have effectively bought cars in their names for their relatives/friends but it’s a bit of a responsibility – I guess that person would be legally responsible to pay the “bollo” every year and then the carabinieri are always stopping people to check who’s driving is registered to the car (Though in Italy, anyone can drive your car with your permission so I really have no idea what purpose the stops serve – you’d just say a friend lent you the car). It really is an absolute pain. The only other thing I can think of is some kind of long term let. Anyway, very best of luck and sorry I couldn’t be of more help x