Processing times
Processing times
Release times and delivery methods
- Standard delivery: within 7 business days, sent via email in PDF format. The original paper document can also be sent by registered mail with return receipt.
- Urgent request: delivery within 3 business days via email in PDF format. If this timeframe is not met, the additional fee paid for urgency will be refunded.
- International delivery: upon request, the paper document can also be shipped via international courier.
The delivery times indicated are approximate and refer to the average processing time. We are not responsible for delays not attributable to our company.
Service description
Service description
What Is a Full Copy of the Birth Record (Copia Integrale dell'Atto di Nascita)?
A Full Copy of the Birth Record (Italian: Copia Integrale dell'Atto di Nascita) is an official document issued by the Italian Municipality where the birth was registered. Unlike a standard birth certificate, this document reproduces the complete and original content of the civil registry entry, including all annotations and updates added over the years. It is the most comprehensive birth-related document available under Italian law and is commonly required for legal, administrative, and genealogical purposes both in Italy and abroad.
Validity and Requirements
The full copy of the birth record has a legal validity of 6 months from the date of issue. To submit your request, the following information about the person is required:
— Full name (first and last)
— Date of birth
— Italian municipality where the birth was registered (typically the parents' municipality of residence at the time of birth)
What Information Does the Document Contain?
Unlike a standard birth certificate, the full copy includes the entire original civil registry entry along with all subsequent annotations. Specifically, the document contains:
— Full name of the individual
— Date and place of birth
— Full names of both parents
— All annotations on the record: marriage, acknowledgements, name changes, adoptions, judicial orders, and more
— Any additional notes added over time
If this document is needed for international use, you may also require an apostille certification or a certified translation.
Additional Costs for Historical Archive Research
For requests involving individuals born more than 100 years ago, the relevant Municipality may charge an additional fee to search historical archives. Please note that such searches may not always yield a result. If the document cannot be located, the amount paid to the Municipality will not be refunded. Customers will always be promptly informed of any additional costs before any extra charges are incurred.
Important: Records Not Found in the Registry
In some cases, the individual's information may not be available in the Civil Registry archives, particularly for persons born before the 20th century. If no record is found, the document cannot be issued and no certificate can be provided by the Municipality.
Who Can Request the Document?
The full copy of the birth record can be requested by anyone with a legitimate interest, including family members, legal professionals, institutions, or authorised third parties. Some Civil Registry offices may require a formal proxy accompanied by a copy of the subject's identity document. Our service handles the entire process on your behalf through an official power of attorney. For Italian citizenship applications, this document is often required alongside an Italian marriage record or a death record.
Transparency and Refund Policy
Customer satisfaction is our top priority. If the document cannot be found in the municipal archives, our policy is as follows:
— We retain only the fixed research fee (approximately €39.00, plus any amounts already paid to the Municipality)
— We fully refund all unused costs, including courier shipping, additional services, and apostille fees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can request a copy of the birth record? Anyone with a personal, legal, or administrative need for the document, or an authorised representative acting on their behalf.
What if the birth took place outside Italy? We can only process this request if the birth record has been officially transcribed at an Italian Municipality. Without a valid transcription, the document cannot be obtained.
How long does it take? Usually fifteen working days, but processing times vary by Municipality. We will keep you updated throughout the entire process.
Support and Assistance
For further information or personalised assistance, please visit our Contact Us page. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Disclaimer: Ufficio Certificati does not issue government documents. The Full Copy of the Birth Record is issued exclusively by the competent Italian Municipality. We provide a professional intermediary service, managing the request and collection process through a formal power of attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do the issued certificates have legal validity?
How long will it take to receive my certificate?
Most digital certificates are sent by email within a few days after we receive the completed delegation form together with the identity document. For documents that require sending the original paper copy, the processing time depends on the shipping service selected.
How will I receive the requested document?
What are Apostille and Legalization, and when are they required?
The Apostille and Legalization are international certifications that validate the signature of a public official on a document, making it legally valid abroad (in countries that are part of the Hague Convention). If you need to submit an Italian certificate in another country, you will likely require this official stamp, which we obtain on your behalf from the Prefecture.
Difference between Apostille and Legalization
The Apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, stamp, and official capacity for countries that are part of the Hague Convention. Legalization is a consular verification required by non‑member States and confirms the validity of the document for use abroad.
What happens if the information provided is incorrect
Our team reviews all the information you provide. If any missing or inconsistent data emerges that could prevent the document from being issued, our customer service will contact you promptly to correct the information together and complete the procedure without delays.
If the request is submitted correctly but the competent authority rejects it, we will retain only a portion of the amount paid to cover the costs already incurred.
Disclaimer: Ufficiocertificati.it does not issue certificates; the document is issued by the Municipality. We manage the entire process on your behalf.
The document is issued exclusively by the competent Municipality and can be requested directly by the interested party there or through the ANPR, where available.
We offer an intermediary service, taking care of the request and collection on behalf of the client through a formal proxy.
