
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Difference between the Criminal Record Certificate and the Pending Charges Certificate
Although both documents are used to verify a person’s judicial status, the main difference lies in the time frame and the stage of the proceedings they reflect.
Here is a clear summary to distinguish them:
1. Criminal Record Certificate
This document concerns the past. It contains final judicial decisions (those that have become irrevocable).
- What it includes: Irrevocable criminal convictions, penal decrees, and civil/administrative measures (e.g., disqualifications).
- What it is used for: Commonly required for employment (public or private), citizenship applications, or adoption procedures.
- Note: Since 2019, the “Unified Certificate” has merged the previous criminal and civil certificates.
2. Pending Charges Certificate
This document concerns the present. It indicates whether there are any ongoing criminal proceedings.
- What it includes: Criminal cases in which a person has already become a defendant (i.e., when the Public Prosecutor has initiated criminal action), but for which no final judgment has yet been issued.
- What it does NOT include: It does not list simple complaints or ongoing preliminary investigations (for those, a request under Art. 335 of the Italian Code of Criminal Procedure is required).
- What it is used for: Often required for participation in public tenders or to verify current judicial status before certain appointments.
Do the issued certificates have legal validity?
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 adhering to the Hague Convention). If you need to submit an Italian certificate in another country, you will likely require this official stamp, which we arrange for you at 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.
How long will it take to receive my certificate?
Most digital certificates are sent by email within a few days from the moment we receive the completed authorization form together with the identity document. For documents that require sending the original paper version, the delivery time depends on the chosen shipping method.
How will I receive the requested document?
What happens if the information provided is incorrect
Our staff reviews the information you provide. If any missing or inconsistent data emerges that could prevent the document from being issued, our customer service team 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.com 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.