Your step-by-step guide to requesting birth and marriage certificates from your Comune—what to ask for, how to apply (in person, online, or by certified email), documents, timing, and tips for use abroad.
In Italy, civil-status certificates are issued by the Ufficio di Stato Civile of the Comune (municipality) where the event was recorded. You can usually request them at the counter, via the Comune’s online portal (with SPID/CIE), or by certified email (PEC). Below you’ll find the formats available, how to submit a request, and what to do if you need legalization or translations for use outside Italy.
Contents
Which document do you need?
- Certificate (certificato di nascita / certificato di matrimonio): states essential data (names, place/date, registry details). Often enough for routine procedures.
- Extract (estratto): includes annotations (e.g., marriage, divorce, name changes). Commonly requested for international or complex procedures.
- Multilingual/International form: standardized format available in many Comuni that’s widely accepted abroad and may avoid translation.
Where to apply
Apply to the Comune of the event (birth → place of birth; marriage → place of marriage). If you’re unsure which office holds the record, contact likely Comuni in the area—offices can redirect you if the record belongs elsewhere.
How to request the certificate (three routes)
- In person at the Stato Civile desk
Bring your ID. Specify the type (certificate/extract/multilingual), the full details (names, date/place), and the purpose if asked. Many certificates are free for personal use; a marca da bollo (revenue stamp) may apply for certain purposes. - Online via your Comune portal
Many cities let you log in with SPID and download a digitally signed PDF (often with a verification QR). If you haven’t set up your digital identity yet, do that first here:
How to Get a SPID Digital Identity. - By certified email (PEC)
If your Comune accepts email requests, sending from a PEC address gives you legal proof of delivery. Include a scan of your ID, the exact details of the event, what format you need (certificate/extract/multilingual), and why (some exemptions depend on purpose). If you need a PEC mailbox, start here:
What Is PEC and Why You Might Need It.
Information you’ll be asked for
- Birth certificate: full name, date/place of birth, parents’ names (if known).
- Marriage certificate: both spouses’ full names, date/place of marriage.
- Format & purpose: certificate vs. extract; multilingual if needed; reason (sometimes affects fees/format).
Using certificates abroad (translations & legalization)
For use outside Italy, first ask for a multilingual version. If the destination authority won’t accept that, you may need an apostille/legalization and a sworn translation. For the apostille rules, see the official Hague Conference page on the Apostille Convention. Confirm exact requirements with the receiving authority before you apply, so you request the correct format from the start.
Timing, delivery, and validity
Counter requests are often issued on the spot; online and PEC requests typically produce a PDF in a few days (timing varies by city). Many authorities require a recently issued document (e.g., less than 6 months old), so request a fresh copy when needed and keep the PDF/receipt in your records.
Common issues (and quick fixes)
- Spelling differences: match your passport exactly (accents, hyphens). If the registry differs, ask the office how to proceed (annotations or rectification).
- Not sure which Comune holds the record? Start with the city of the event; provide as many details as possible so staff can locate the entry.
- Urgent request from abroad: use PEC if accepted, authorize a relative/agent if pickup is required, or ask for a digitally signed PDF.
Related tasks you may need next
If you’ll be handling other registry steps (ID card, residency, certificates for family), these guides will speed you up:
Applying for an Italian Identity Card •
How to Apply for Italian Residency •
Registering Your Address with the Comune.
Before you go (mini-checklist)
- Confirm the correct Comune (place of the event).
- Choose the right format (certificate, extract, multilingual) based on the receiving authority’s rules.
- Enable SPID for online downloads or set up PEC for certified email requests if needed.
- Keep the issued PDF/receipt and note any validity window (often 3–6 months).
Bottom line: ask the right office for the right format, submit via counter/portal/PEC, and plan for translations or legalization only if required. With SPID or PEC, you’ll get verifiable documents quickly and with solid proof of request and delivery.
