- Do I have to appear in person to request a service from the Civil Status Office?
No, it is not necessary. All documentation related to requests for the registration of civil status documents can be sent by mail to the Consular Chancellery. For special cases and divorce registrations, please contact us first via email at stcivile.washington@esteri.it.
- How much do the services provided by the Civil Status Office cost?
Registration requests for civil status documents are free. For the fees of other services, please refer to the page with our consular fees.
- How should I fill out the form if I have two names/two surnames? In the United States, I only use the second name.
For Italy, you must indicate all names and surnames present on your birth certificate — no exceptions!
- Can I translate my documents myself for the procedures related to civil status?
Yes, provided that the translation is complete, faithful, and correct in every part. Otherwise, the Office cannot certify its conformity with the original (the apostille should not be translated).
For divorce decrees, considering the technical nature of the language used, it is advisable to choose a professional translation service with adequate expertise in legal matters (click here for a list of translators).
- Should I translate the apostille?
No, the apostille should not be translated.
- Can you return my documents after a registration request?
No, original certificates cannot be returned.
- Can I register the birth of a child without having registered my marriage?
No, first, register the marriage and then the birth of a child. However, the request for registration of documents related to both events can be made simultaneously.
- Is it possible to apply for a passport for a child who has not yet been registered?
No, applying for a child’s passport is only possible after the registration of that child’s birth.
- I have to legalize a U.S. document. How can I do so?
All civil status certificates issued by local authorities are issued by the individual states.
An apostille is issued by the Secretary of State of the state where the document was issued. Regarding the jurisdiction of this Consular Chancellery, see Legalization of documents between Italy and the USA: the Apostille.
- What is the timeframe for the registration of civil status documents?
Usually 30 days, but this term may vary depending on the workload of the Italian municipalities to which they are sent by the Consulates for subsequent registration. If no communication is received after 90 days from the request, it is recommended that you write to this Civil Status Office, which will ask the relevant municipality. It is also always possible to directly contact the competent municipality for information.
For matters within the jurisdiction of this Chancellery, all civil status documents submitted to it will be sent for registration to the competent municipality within 30 days of their receipt.
- Can I contact the municipality directly to inquire about the registration status?
Yes, as an Italian citizen, you can always contact the relevant Italian municipality directly for information. Contact details can be found on the websites of the relevant municipalities.