How to Register a Birth for Passport Renewal

20 Nov How to Register a Birth for Passport Renewal

If you find that your birth or your child’s birth has not yet been registered, immediate action is necessary. Here are the main steps to regularize the situation:

• Gathering the Necessary Documents: To register the birth of an Italian citizen born abroad, you need to present a birth certificate issued by the country of birth to the competent Italian Consulate. This document must be translated into Italian and, in many cases, legalised or apostilled, depending on the country of issuance.
• Sending Documentation to the Consulate: After obtaining the documents, you must send them or present them at the Italian Consulate for your jurisdiction. The Consulate will forward the birth certificate to the Registry Office of the competent Italian Municipality, where the birth will be recorded.
• Updating the Registry Records: Once the birth is registered with the Municipal Registry Office, the civil status will be updated, and you can proceed with the passport renewal request.

Timeframes and Costs

The registration time varies depending on the Consulate and the competent Italian Municipality but generally may take several weeks. It is therefore important to act in advance, especially if the expiring passport needs to be renewed urgently for travel or work reasons.

As for costs, birth registration at the Italian Consulate is generally free. However, there may be costs associated with translating and legalising the birth certificate, especially if it comes from a non-European Union country.

What Happens If the Birth Is Not Registered?

If the birth is not registered, it will not be possible to proceed with the passport renewal. In fact, without a birth certificate recognized by the Italian authorities, the Consulate or Questura cannot confirm the Italian citizenship status and, consequently, cannot issue or renew the passport.

Moreover, the lack of registration may also lead to problems regarding other rights and services related to Italian citizenship, such as access to healthcare or pensions.

Conclusion

If your birth or your child’s birth has not been registered in Italy, it is essential to do so before applying for passport renewal. The process takes time, so acting well in advance is crucial to avoid complications. Birth registration is a vital step to maintain Italian citizenship and access the associated rights.

If you need assistance in preparing the necessary documents, translating and legalising birth certificates, or consulting on how to submit them to the Consulate, we are available to offer you full support throughout the process.