Processing Times and Delivery Options

• Standard delivery: within 20 business days, sent by email in PDF format. The original paper document can also be shipped via registered mail.
• International delivery: upon request, the original paper document can be shipped via international courier.

The delivery times indicated are approximate and refer to the average processing time. We cannot be held responsible for delays caused by third parties or circumstances beyond our control.

Legalization and the Apostille are official procedures that grant international legal validity to Italian public documents — such as civil registry certificates, notarial deeds, or academic qualifications — making them recognized and usable abroad. In practice, they certify the authenticity of the signature and the authority of the public official who signed the document.

Apostille or Legalization: What's the Difference?

The procedure to apply depends on the destination country:

• Apostille: a simplified form of legalization valid exclusively between countries that have signed the Hague Convention of 1961. It replaces diplomatic or consular legalization and greatly simplifies the process.
• Ordinary Legalization: applies to countries that have not joined the Hague Convention. It typically involves two steps: certification by the competent Italian authorities (Prefecture or Prosecutor's Office), followed by legalization at the Consulate of the destination country.

Validity and Requirements

The Apostille or Legalization generally follows the validity period of the underlying document — usually 6 months for civil status certificates.

To start the process, the following are required:

• The original document in paper format, bearing the handwritten signature of the competent public official (digital signatures or simple scans are not accepted, unless specific electronic procedures apply).
• The name of the destination country, needed to determine which procedure applies.
• A sworn translation, if required by the destination country — which must also be apostilled or legalized.

Documents Typically Subject to Apostille or Legalization

Among the most commonly processed documents are civil registry certificates and deeds. If you need to obtain the original Italian document first, you can request it through our service:

• Birth certificate, extract or full birth deed
• Marriage certificate, extract or full marriage deed

Who Can Request This Service?

Anyone with a legitimate interest in the document may request this service. Some Civil Registry Offices may require a formal proxy accompanied by a copy of the subject's identity document, which we handle on your behalf.

How Ufficio Certificati Works

Ufficio Certificati manages the entire process on your behalf — from requesting to collecting the document — through a formal proxy submitted to the competent Municipality. Once the original document is obtained, we submit it to the appropriate Apostille or Legalization procedure based on the destination country you specify.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the process take?
Processing times vary depending on the Municipality, document type, and procedure required (Apostille or Ordinary Legalization). We will provide a time estimate before starting your request.

Do I also need a sworn translation?
It depends on the destination country. Many countries require that the document be accompanied by a sworn translation in the official local language, which must also be apostilled or legalized.

Can I request an Apostille on a document I don't have yet?
Yes. You can first request the original document through our services and then proceed with the Apostille or Legalization — all managed by us as a single process.

Are digital signatures or scans accepted?
No. The procedure requires the original paper document bearing the handwritten signature of the public official, with limited exceptions for specific electronic procedures.

Assistance and Support

Not sure which procedure applies to your destination country? Our team is here to help. Get in touch via our Contact Us page.

Disclaimer: Ufficio Certificati is not a government body and does not directly issue official documents. We offer a professional intermediary service: we handle the request and collection of documents from the competent Municipalities via formal proxy, and manage Apostille and Legalization procedures on your behalf.