Get Birth Certificates in Italy

A birth certificate (atto di nascita or estratto di nascita) in Italy is an essential civil document required for obtaining an Italian identity card, enrolling in school, applying for a passport, and many other official purposes. This guide explains how to get birth certificates in Italy, with specific information for Rome and Milan.

How Birth Registration Works in Italy

In Italy, birth registration is handled by the Ufficio di Stato Civile (Civil Status Office) at the local Comune (municipality). Births must be declared within 10 days of delivery. When a baby is born in a hospital, the hospital director can make the declaration on behalf of the parents within three days, or parents can declare the birth themselves at the hospital within the 10-day period.

The birth is recorded in the Registro degli Atti di Nascita (Register of Birth Acts), and an atto di nascita is issued. Italians can also obtain an estratto di nascita (birth extract) or certificato di nascita (birth certificate) from the Comune at any time after the original registration.

Documents Required for Birth Certificate in Italy

Hospital birth declaration (dichiarazione di nascita) or hospital medical certificate
Both parents’ identity documents (carta d’identità or passport)
Parents’ marriage certificate (if married and registered in Italy)
For unmarried parents: recognition of the child (riconoscimento del figlio) can be done at the time of declaration

Foreign nationals may need to provide additional documents. Contact the local Ufficio di Stato Civile for guidance on requirements for non-Italian parents.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy and is administered as the Comune di Roma. The Ufficio di Stato Civile in Rome handles birth registrations for the city. Rome is divided into 15 municipalità (municipalities), each with local offices that handle civil registration matters. For births in Roman hospitals, the hospital typically makes the initial declaration, and parents receive guidance on obtaining the atto di nascita.

Rome residents can request certified copies of birth certificates (estratti di nascita) at the local anagrafe (registry office) or online through the Italian government’s Anagrafe Nazionale della Popolazione Residente (ANPR) platform. The ANPR system allows Italian citizens to download civil certificates digitally at no cost.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Milan

Milan is the capital of Lombardy and Italy’s business capital. The Comune di Milano manages civil registration for the city through its Ufficio di Stato Civile. Milan’s large international population means the office is experienced in handling registrations involving foreign nationals and dual-nationality families.

Parents in Milan can visit the local Sportello Anagrafe or the Ufficio di Stato Civile to register the birth and obtain the atto di nascita. Milan also offers digital services, and residents registered in ANPR can request birth certificates online. Appointments can often be booked through the Comune di Milano’s online portal.

Getting an Italian Birth Certificate if Born Abroad

Italians born abroad (figli di cittadini italiani nati all’estero) can register the birth at the Italian consulate or embassy in the country of birth. The registration is then transmitted to the Comune di iscrizione (the municipality where the Italian parent is registered). Copies of consular birth registrations can be requested from the relevant Comune or consulate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Italy?

An estratto di nascita can typically be obtained immediately or within a few days from the Comune. Through the ANPR digital platform, certified birth certificates can be downloaded instantly at no charge.

Can I get an Italian birth certificate online?

Yes. Through the ANPR system (anpr.interno.it), Italian citizens can download certified extracts of birth certificates digitally. This service is free and available 24 hours a day.

What is the difference between an atto di nascita and an estratto di nascita?

The atto di nascita is the original entry in the civil register. An estratto di nascita is a certified extract of this record issued to applicants. The estratto is the document most commonly used for legal and administrative purposes.

Can an Italian birth certificate be used abroad?

Yes. Italian birth certificates can be apostilled by the Prefettura (prefect’s office) for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. For other countries, full legalization through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be required.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Italy is managed by the Ufficio di Stato Civile at the local Comune. Whether in Rome or Milan, the process involves declaring the birth within 10 days and obtaining the atto di nascita. Italy’s ANPR digital system makes it easy to access certified birth certificates online. A birth certificate is the foundation of your child’s legal identity in Italy and an essential document throughout their life.