FAQ

Q: I own a 1973 Alfa Romeo. Can I join the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo?
A: All Alfa Romeos built by 31 December 1987 (this date refers to the vehicle, not the model) can enter the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo, as long as they are in original condition.

Q: I own a 1989 Alfa Romeo. Can I register it with the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo?
A: The RIAR (Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo) has issued a so-called Closed List, updated every year, that includes some models built after 1 January 1988 selected for the special place they hold in Alfa history. These vehicles can be registered or homologated by the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo upon approval of our Technical Commission, provided they are in original condition.

Q: How do I become a RIAR member?
A: In order to join the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo you need to own an Alfa Romeo built by 31 December 1987 or after 1 January 1988 if included in our Closed List.

Q: Which cars can be registered with Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo?
A: As mentioned above, all Alfa Romeos built by 31 December 1987 (this date refers to the vehicle, not the model) are eligible for the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo, as long as they are in original condition.
Alfa Romeos built after 1 January 1988 are also eligible if included in our Closed List, updated every year, provided they are in original condition.

Q: How do I join? What does the membership process involve?
A: To register a car, built either before 1988 or after if included in our Closed List, you need to fill a "Domanda di Iscrizione" (Membership Application) downloadable from our web site and send it to the RIAR Office (Segreteria RIAR - c/o Alfa Romeo-Automobilismo Storico - Centro Direzionale - 20020 Arese (MI)). The following attachments must accompany your application: 4 (four) pictures (front view - rear view - photo of the chassis number/VIN stamped on the chassis - photo of the engine number stamped on the block) stapled or glued to the application form. The registration process is meant to guarantee the authenticity and original condition of the car. After registering the first car, RIAR members can register as many vehicles as they like, provided they meet all the requirements, at no additional cost.

Q: What's the purpose of becoming a member?
A: Membership will prove useful on those occasions "registration with the competent registers" is required. As a member you will have the chance of stepping into the world of Alfa Romeo enthusiasts sharing their passion and discovering a wealth of information about unknown models and even your own car. Every member who registers a car receives an identification badge.

Q: Does membership entitle to tax rebates and reductions on administration fees (car property tax, insurance rates)?
A: A distinction is in order here:

• For cars 20 years and older registration entitles to concessional insurance rates. No rebate is granted for car property taxes, which in Italy fall under the jurisdiction of Regions and ASI. Through its federation with ASI though, RIAR allows its members to obtain a "Historicity Certificate", even without ASI membership, that can result in tax breaks where provided for by the law (for information, please contact our office).
• For cars included in our Closed List (built after 1 January 1988) membership does not entitle to tax or insurance rebates.

Q: How much does obtaining an ASI certificate cost?
A: ASI autonomously decides how much to charge for document issuing. Currently, the fee for non-members is 150 Euros.

Q: Does membership allow to circulate during traffic blocks or restrictions?
A: All regulations concerning the circulation of any vehicle, historic or not, fall under the jurisdiction of single Regions and Municipalities, so trying to lay down common rules is extremely hard. We always recommend checking directly with local authorities what vehicles are allowed to circulate. However RIAR and other Car-Maker Registers (Fiat and Lancia), FMI and ASI have raised this issue with authorities on several occasions.

Q: What is homologation?
A: Homologation, that can be requested for cars 20 years and older as well as for vehicles included in our Closed List, is a valuable and prestigious expertise performed on the member (or candidate member)'s car by the RIAR Technical Commission made up of Alfa experts with outstanding technical knowledge. The examination covers every detail of the vehicle, including its historic or racing past, if applicable. The intrinsic features of the car and possible restoration works are scrutinized. The steps to homologation are:

• Request the hard copy homologation application form from the RIAR Office.
• Fill the form in every part and clearly indicate the car specifications and alterations, if any.
• Attach all the required photos making sure the quality is good, especially for those depicting the chassis number and engine number.
• Return everything to the RIAR Office that will then forward your file to the Technical Commission for examination.
• If the car looks in order and there are no mistakes nor noticeable alterations, it is invited to a homologation session where the Commissioners examine it and rule its compliance with homologation standards. In the event of alterations preventing homologation, the Commission suggests the necessary changes that must be implemented before submitting the vehicle to another examination.
• After homologation, you will receive a card with your membership number and a metallic plate with the homologation number.

Q: What are the economic benefits of homologation?
A: The purpose of homologation (as well as registration) of cars 20 years and older or included in our Closed List is not granting members economic benefits or facilitations of any kind. Having said that, homologation opens the door to special insurance rates even for cars built less than 20 years ago if included in our Closed List.
To this effect RIAR has reached an agreement with SARA Vintage(R). For information about your specific case and insurance costs, please contact the local branch of the insurance company. Please note homologation is always required for Closed List vehicles.
No rebate is granted for car property taxes which, as previously mentioned, in Italy fall under the jurisdiction of Regions and ASI. RIAR, however, will assist its members in the process of obtaining the ASI "Historicity Certificate" that, depending on the competent Region, may result in property-tax exemption or reductions.

Q: Can I join ASI?
A: Absolutely. RIAR is ASI federated, so it will act as an intermediary for any member interested in registering his Alfa Romeo with ASI.

Q: Besides my Alfa Romeos, I own vehicles of other brands. Can I register them with ASI as well?
A: Certainly. RIAR will be happy to act as an intermediary between its members and ASI also on this occasion. Alternatively, our members can request an ASI "Historicity Certificate" through our office to be granted tax rebates where provided for by the law.

Q: Can I also obtain the "FIVA Identity Card"?
A: Absolutely. You can request a FIVA Identity Card through our office just as you would your ASI Historicity Certificate. The FIVA ID Card can only be issued by ASI.

Q: How much does RIAR membership cost?
A: The RIAR membership fee is 150.00 Euros for the first year and 120.00 Euros for the following years. These fees obviously do not take into account possible ASI fees.

Q: How long after applying will I receive my membership?
A: It depends on whether or not the car is in original condition, requires any restoration work, the application was filled correctly, etc. Generally speaking the whole process is complete within two months at the most. However, we strongly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible (especially if you need registration for insurance purposes) allowing for the time necessary to complete restoration works, should such need arise.

Q: How much does homologation cost?
A: The 150 Euro first-year membership fee and the 120 Euro renewal fee cover homologation costs. Please note that the metal plate carrying the homologation number is not included and costs 80 Euros per homologated vehicle.

Q: How often are homologation sessions held?
A: Sessions are held twice a year, once in the RIAR headquartes in Arese and once in a different location (usually in central Italy) to be determined each time.

Q: Once registered or homologated will my car still be subject to MOT testing every two years?
A: No, in accordance to art. 59 of the Highway Code, cars registered with historic car registers are considered "atypical vehicles" and are therefore subject to MOT testing every year.

A: The car I would like to register officially belongs to my wife (father, mother, etc.). Can I register/homologate it with RIAR?
A: Sure. All you need is a a statement asserting you are entitled to unrestricted use of the car.

Q: Does RIAR organize events?
A: Yes, RIAR organizes 4/5 prestigious events in Italy and abroad every year. Snapshots of past events - in Europe, Tunisia and Italy (of course) just to name a few - are available on our web site.
Our events, planned with both vintage cars and more recent models in mind, are always geared towards creating the right setting to promote culture (not just automotive-related) and the pleasure of sharing a common passion with fellow Alfa Romeo enthusiasts.