What Is an Apostille, and Do Translations Need One for Italy?"

If you’re applying for Italian dual citizenship, chances are you’ve encountered the term “apostille” in your paperwork checklist. It’s one of those bureaucratic words that can sound intimidating—but once you understand what it is and when it’s needed, the process becomes much more manageable.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what an apostille is, when it’s required, and whether your translated documents need one for Italian consulate submission.

What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a special certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, death certificate, or naturalization record. It’s issued by a designated authority in the country where the document originated (in the U.S., usually the Secretary of State of the state that issued the document).

The apostille itself is a separate page or stamp attached to the original document. It doesn't certify the content of the document—it simply confirms that the signature, stamp, or seal on the original document is genuine and that the person who signed it had the authority to do so.

This certification is required under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, an international treaty that streamlines the process of legalizing documents for use abroad.
Italy is a member of this convention, which is why apostilles are necessary when you submit foreign documents for Italian dual citizenship.

Which Documents Need an Apostille for Italy?
When applying for Italian dual citizenship, you will typically need to apostille all official U.S. documents that are being submitted to Italian authorities. These often include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Naturalization records (or proof of non-naturalization)

Each of these documents must be apostilled in the state or federal office where the document was originally issued. For example, if your birth certificate was issued in New York, the apostille will come from the New York Secretary of State.

Do Translations Need an Apostille?
Here’s where things get a bit more nuanced. In most cases, the translation itself does not require an apostille. The apostille applies to the original official document in its native language--not the translated version.

However, there is one exception: if the translator’s certification is notarized, and the consulate requires a notarized translation, then that notarized certification may also need an apostille.

For example, let’s say your translator provides a certificate of accuracy and has it notarized in the United States. Some Italian consulates may ask for that notarized certification to be apostilled, essentially verifying the authenticity of the notary’s signature. But this requirement varies by consulate.

That’s why it’s important to work with a professional Italian translator who is familiar with the rules of your specific Italian consulate or Comune (municipality in Italy). A qualified translator can guide you on whether an apostille is needed for the translation’s certification—not just the original documents.

Avoid Costly Delays
Missing an apostille or submitting documents incorrectly can lead to long delays—or even rejections—of your application. Each consulate has slightly different requirements, so it’s critical to double-check what’s needed for your specific situation.

When you work with a translator who understands the ins and outs of Italian legal documentation and consular rules, you save yourself time, stress, and costly do-overs.

Conclusion
An apostille is a form of international authentication for official documents. It’s almost always required for U.S. documents being submitted in Italy for dual citizenship purposes. The translation itself usually does not need an apostille, unless the translator’s certification is notarized and the consulate requests it.

Need Help with Certified Translations and Apostille Guidance?
​Working with a professional like Natalia Bertelli, a certified Italian legal translator, means you’re not alone in this complex process. Natalia not only provides accurate, certified translations tailored for Italian dual citizenship, but she also advises on when and how apostilles are needed—saving you time and helping ensure your documents are accepted the first time.
Contact Natalia Bertelli today to get expert support with your Italian citizenship translations and apostille requirements!