Apostille and sworn translation for Italy: what they are and the right order

What an apostille is

An apostille is a certification that makes a public document recognised abroad. It applies between countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention, which includes the United States and Italy.

Who issues it for US documents

It is issued where the document originated. For documents issued by a US state, such as a birth certificate, that is usually the state's Secretary of State. For federal documents it is usually the US Department of State. Check the issuing authority's current instructions.

What a sworn translation is

A sworn translation is a translation certified by the translator before a court or notary, so Italian offices accept it as official. Some offices accept other kinds of certified translation, so ask what yours accepts.

The usual order

1. Ask the Italian office exactly what it accepts.
2. Get the apostille on the original document, or on a certified copy if that is what is required.
3. Ask whether the apostille itself must be translated.
4. Get the translation, sworn if required.
5. Keep a copy of every step.

Before or after you move?

Many people do the apostille before leaving, because it is much harder from abroad. The translation can often be done in Italy, which may be simpler. The right choice depends on which office will receive the document, so ask first.

Checks before you pay

• Your name is spelled the same on every document and on your passport.
• The document is the type the office wants: an original, a certified copy or an extract.
• The document is recent enough; some offices only accept recent issues.
• You know who will receive it and what they need.

Common mistakes

• Paying for a translation before asking what the office accepts.
• Getting the apostille on the wrong version of the document.
• Doing steps in the wrong order.
• Not keeping copies.

Questions to ask the office

• Which authority issues the apostille for this document?
• Do you want an apostille, a translation, or both?
• Does the apostille also need to be translated?
• Is there a maximum age for the document?
• Who is allowed to certify the translation?

What comes next

See the full list of documents in our guide to documents before you move.