Italian birth record

The Italian birth record is required, among other things, in citizenship proceedings, for the celebration of a marriage, for administrative procedures in Spain and in genealogical research. The Firm requests it from the competent town hall and issues it in the form appropriate to its intended use.

Certificate, extract and full copy

The same event may be attested by documents with different content. Choosing the correct document avoids delays and requests for further documentation from the receiving office.

• Birth certificate: sets out the essential details of the event (name, date and place of birth). It is sufficient for many administrative purposes but, as a rule, does not name the parents and does not contain subsequent annotations.
• Summary extract: sets out the details of the record and the marginal annotations (marriage, acknowledgements of paternity or maternity, corrections, court orders). It is the document generally required in citizenship proceedings and for use abroad.
• Full copy: reproduces in full the record entered in the register, with signatures and annotations. It is issued only to persons who demonstrate a direct and concrete interest (art. 107 D.P.R. 396/2000), upon a reasoned application.

The multilingual extract and use in Spain and the European Union

The multilingual extract (Form A) is drawn up on the standard multilingual form provided for by the Vienna Convention of 8 September 1976, to which both Italy and Spain are parties. Between the Contracting States it is valid without translation or legalisation.

Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 has, moreover, abolished legalisation and the apostille since 2019 for public documents used between Member States. Consequently, for use of an Italian birth record in Spain no apostille is required and the multilingual extract is normally sufficient. For use in States outside the Union (for example the United States, Argentina, Brazil) an apostille is required, affixed in Italy by the Prefecture; the Firm also attends to this formality.

Records predating the civil registry

Before the civil registry was established, on different dates in the various Italian territories, births, marriages and deaths were recorded by the parishes. For the purpose of reconstructing a line of descent, the baptismal record may be required: the Firm identifies the competent parish or diocesan archive and obtains a copy, bearing legalisation by the Curia where required.

Documentation required

• Copy of the applicant's passport.
• Indication of the Italian town hall in which the birth is registered; failing this, the Firm identifies it on the basis of the information available.

Timescales

Digital copy in approximately three weeks; paper original in 30–60 days, depending on the town hall. Delivery is made in person or by DHL courier to any country.

Costs

Costs depend on the town hall and on the formalities required (apostille, translation). The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote before the engagement begins.

Certificates we handle

Sources: D.P.R. 396/2000, arts. 106–107 · Vienna Convention of 8/9/1976 (CIEC no. 16) · Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 · Law 91/1992 art. 3-bis (Law 74/2025). Information only, updated September 2026; it does not replace an assessment of the specific case.