WHAT DO YOU NEED TO REQUEST A PASSPORT? 1st Part

​It can often be a challenge to gather all the information you need to apply for a passport. Let's get some clarity!

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The passport is both a travel and identification document issued by:

•      the Italian Police Office (Questura) in Italy;
•      the diplomatic-consular Missions abroad.

It is valid in all countries whose governments have been recognised by the Italian government. Upon the bearer's request, it can be made suitable for those who have not been recognised by indicating the destination places (Article 2 of Law No. 1185/67).
Before starting a journey, we recommend that you carefully consult the website www.viaggiaresicuri.it where you can find, for each State of destination, updated information on the travel document(s) required for entry into the country and any restrictions and specific requirements.
1. Passport issuance
As a rule, passport applications shall be submitted to the local authorities competent for the applicant's residence in Italy or abroad. Italian citizens can apply for the issuance of passports at any issuing office in Italy or abroad. In particular cases, the visa can be issued by an office other than the one of residence. In such cases, it will be necessary to acquire the prior delegation of power and responsibility from the office competent for the applicant's place of residence (the Police Office (Questura) or Consulate). The board of authority and responsibility shall be express and in writing. Suppose the application is filed with a consular district in which you are not resident. In that case, it should be borne in mind that the necessary delegation of power and responsibility by the competent Police Office (Questura)/Consulate could lengthen the time it takes to issue the passport.
2. Types of passport
Current legislation provides for the following types of passports:
a) Ordinary Passport: 48-page booklet;
b) Temporary Passport: 16-page booklet;
c) Collective or Group Passport: issued only by the Italian Police Office (Questura) for cultural, religious, sport, tourist or other purposes, under international agreements.
All valid passports, including those with the added names of minor children, remain valid until their natural expiry date.
 
2A. Ordinary passport
An Ordinary Passport is an electronic passport that has replaced all previous models as of 26 October 2006. It uses advanced technologies such as an anti-counterfeit stamp and a microprocessor chip containing the bearer's data and the authority that issued it, ensuring a high degree of security.
For example, it makes its bearers eligible to enter the U.S. for stays of up to 90 days without a visa (Visa Waiver Program).
The passport period of validity depends on the age of the bearer:
- minors of up to 3 years of age 3 years; 
- minors from 3 to 18 years of age: 5 years;
- anyone over the age of 18: 10 years.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR ORDINARY PASSPORT:

• passport application form completed and signed by the applicant;
  
• showing  of a valid identification document, in compliance with D.P.R. No. 445/2000;
•  2 recent photographs (identical, face-front, colour, 35 x 40 mm);
• Receipt for payment of fee and related government tax for the use of passport, except in cases of exemption, as stated in art. 19 of Law no. 1185/1967;
  
• in  case the applicant has children under the age of 18,  atto di assenso, a written statement of consent to the issuance of passport by the other parent, regardless of applicant's civil status (single, married, separated or divorced);
•  in case the applicant is under the age of 18, atto di assenso, a written statement of consent of both parents;
• if  the applicant is under the age of 18 and foreign-born, the child's birth certificate, translated and legalised (or with affixed apostille), shall be submitted to the authorised Consulate. It will provide for the transmission to Italy for the subsequent registration in the civil status records of the Municipality of reference – or, where required, a multilingual format certificate.
• for those residents in the consular district but are not registered with AIRE, proof of residence abroad is required.

Next week we will talk about the atto di assenso WRITTEN STATEMENT OF CONSENT….and much more!