- Steps to be taken in the U.S.
- Steps to be Taken in NAPLES at American Consulate & Prefettura
- Steps to be Taken in ROME at American Embassy & Prefettura
- Steps to be Taken in MILAN at American Consulate & Prefettura
First, each U.S. citizen is required to make an appointment with the American Consulate in Naples (for those marrying in Southern Italy). Note: Please check the individual pages that are specific to the Consulates in Naples, etc for the days and times.
Below are steps to be taken in the U.S. for obtaining your Atto Notorio
Note: information below is subject to change so it's important that you always check https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/
Atto Notorio is a declaration stating that according to the laws to which the citizen is subject in the United States there is no obstacle to his/her marriage.
We advise that you obtain the documents below no more than 6 months before the wedding, otherwise they can expire. Both American Citizens must:
Please note that it is extremely important that your full name is written in the same way in all the following documents, otherwise the Town Hall will not accept the paperwork:
Before arriving in Italy, you must go to the nearest Italian Embassy/Consulate outside of Italy to accomplish the following:
The Atto Notorio that you will obtain from the Italian Consulate cannot be issued more than 3 months (90 days) before your wedding, otherwise it will expire. We would recommend when you make the appointment with the Italian Consulate to make sure that it is not too close to your departure date from the United States, in case they end up postponing your appointment
- Naples https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=NPL&appcode=1
- Rome https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=RME&appcode=1
- Click where it tells you to make an appointment.
- ACS Appointment System – click on “Request Notarial and other services not listed above”.
- Click (and read) – I have read the instructions on the Embassy or Consulate website for passport services I require.
- Click on and Submit and then a calendar will come up and each of you need to make an appointment for the day that you need to be at the consulate and for the same time (pick the earliest time that is available) + you need to fill in all the pertinent information that they require. Continue to follow the instructions.
- Make sure you keep a printout of your appointment
Below are steps to be taken in the U.S. for obtaining your Atto Notorio
Note: information below is subject to change so it's important that you always check https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/
Atto Notorio is a declaration stating that according to the laws to which the citizen is subject in the United States there is no obstacle to his/her marriage.
We advise that you obtain the documents below no more than 6 months before the wedding, otherwise they can expire. Both American Citizens must:
- Obtain American passport
- Obtain an original long form birth certificate that contain the names of your parents
- Send the original birth certificates to the appropriate office to be authenticated for use in Italy. If born in the U.S., you must send the original birth certificate to the office of the Secretary of State of the state in which you were born to receive an "Apostille" stamp, which authenticates official documents for use in Italy.
- Obtain documentation of termination of any previous marriage, i.e., divorce/annulment decree or death certificate of previous spouse (if applicable).
- Send the document of marriage termination (if applicable) to the office of the Secretary of State of the state in which the marriage termination occurred to be authenticated by the Secretary's office with an "Apostille" seal/stamp.
- Translate the original birth certificate and the document of marriage termination into Italian. Note: Call the Nearest Italian Consulate in the U.S. to get details on proper methods of translating documents.
Please note that it is extremely important that your full name is written in the same way in all the following documents, otherwise the Town Hall will not accept the paperwork:
- PASSPORTS
- ATTO NOTORIO
- NULLA OSTA
Before arriving in Italy, you must go to the nearest Italian Embassy/Consulate outside of Italy to accomplish the following:
- Authenticate the translation of the original birth certificate and the document of marriage termination.
- Four witnesses who know you well must execute an affidavit (Atto Notorio) before an Italian Consul in the United States, or wherever you may be outside of Italy, certifying that there is no obstacle to your marriage. Note: Double check with the Italian Consulate nearest you to find out for sure how many witnesses they require. Each Consulate is different.
The Atto Notorio that you will obtain from the Italian Consulate cannot be issued more than 3 months (90 days) before your wedding, otherwise it will expire. We would recommend when you make the appointment with the Italian Consulate to make sure that it is not too close to your departure date from the United States, in case they end up postponing your appointment
- *Please note, under Italian law, a woman who has been divorced or widowed and wishes to re-marry in Italy cannot do so until 300 days have passed from the date of her divorce/death of husband.
Documents Checklist
- American Passport or U.S. Military Identification Card
- Original Birth Certificate, with Apostille and translated into Italian
- Evidence of Termination of Any Previous Marriage translated, with Apostille Seal
- Sworn Statement of Consent by parents or legal guardian if U.S. citizen is considered a minor
- Affidavit (Atto Notorio) before Italian Consular Officer outside of Italy
- Sworn Statement (Nulla Osta) by American citizen before a U.S. Consular Officer in Italy with Apostille Stamp
Information & Instructions for American Embassy & Prefettura in NAPLES
Information below is subject to change. Please always double check with the Consulate/Embassy at https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/notarial-services/
Step 1:
American Consulate in Naples (Consolato Americano)
Piazza della Repubblica
Telephone No.: + 39 081 583 8220 or 8221
Website: https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/
Days & Hours: Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 12:30, except Holidays (Subject to change) - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=NPL&appcode=1
- IMPORTANT: Because the legalization office (Prefettura - see below) where you get your Nulla Osta(s) authenticated is ONLY open Monday, Wednesday & Thursdays (except US/Italian Holidays), you need to make your appointments at the Consulate 1st thing in the morning on one of those 3 days.
Floor: 2nd floor, Room 201
Cost: $ 50.00 per person (cash) or equivalent in Euro. (cost subject to change) . Note: They also take major credit cards.
- When you arrive at the American Consulate, you will have to present your passports as well as proof of your appointments made online (print out your confirmation slips ahead of time) to the Guard at the gate and explain that you are here to make a sworn statement for marriage.
- Go to Room 201 and tell them you are here to make a sworn statement for marriage. You will have to fill out a Dichiarazione Giurata/ Nulla Osta form for each American Citizen and sign them in front of a Consular officer. The Dichiarazione Giurata/ Nulla Osta is the final declaration to be made in Italy stating you are free to marry. This process should take about 1 hour or so. To download the form, please click on http://photos.state.gov/libraries/italy/217417/pdf/MarriageNullaOstaNaples.pdf
- It is extremely important that your names on the Dichiarazione Giurata/ Nulla Ostas are the same as on your passports.
- Also, if divorced or widowed, you will need to provide the following information for the Nulla Osta form.
- Divorced (bring a copy)
- Name of former spouse
- Country of citizenship of former spouse
- Marriage date and location of where marriage took place
- State where divorce took place
- Date of divorce and city, town where divorce took place
- Widowed (need to bring original death certificate)
- Name of deceased spouse
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Please note: Under Italian law, a woman who has been divorced or widowed and wishes to re-marry in Italy cannot do so until 300 days have passed from the date of her divorce/death of husband. It is possible, however, to apply for a dispensation to this through the Civil Law Courts (Tribunale Civile). Further information should be obtained from the Town Hall (Comune) of the area where the marriage is to take place and we can assist you for the application - please contact us for full details.
After you leave the Consulate, take a left out of the gate and walk about 50 yards and you will see the cabs parked. {You can also ask the guards where to get a cab}
Tell the cab driver: Prefettura Ufficio di Immigrazione. Address is: Via Amerigo Vespucci 172 (it should take about 15 minutes). You will find the Prefettura in the port area (a yellow building with a sign “Prefettura – Immigration Office” by a green gate).
Step 2:
Authentication of Dichiarazione Giurata/Nulla Ostas at the Prefettura in NAPLES
Prefettura Ufficio di Immigrazione
1st Floor, Ufficio Legalizzazioni
Via Amerigo Vespucci 172
1st Floor, Ufficio Legalizzazioni
Via Amerigo Vespucci 172
- Main Telephone Number: +39 081 7943111
- Legalizzazioni office number: + 39 081 7943482 (where they authenticate documents)
Days & Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursdays ONLY from 9:30 – 12:00 noon., except Holidays (Subject to change) - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
- IMPORTANT NOTES:
- This Step can ONLY be done AFTER you have received your Nulla Osta from the American Consulate; therefore, you MUST make your appointments directly with the American Consulate on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday (except US/Italian Holidays) as the Prefettura office is ONLY open those 3 days.
- This step must be by appointment ONLY; therefore it's important that you hire our guide (as this office does not speak English). The guide will make the appointment for you at the Prefettura office AFTER you let us know when you have made your appointment at the Consulate NOTE: Please let your wedding planner know ASAP when this has been done
- Cost for Stamps: Before going to the Prefettura, go to any Tabacchi/Tabacchino (tobacco store) and purchase stamps for each document you received from the Embassy/Consulate called Marca da Bollo for € 16.00 each. (subject to change)
Note: information is subject to change so please double check the times, cost, etc.
Information & Instructions for American Embassy & Prefettura in ROME
Information below is subject to change. Please always double check with the Consulate/Embassy at https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/notarial-services/
NOTE: you may need to spend at least 3 nights in Rome to get the sworn statement issued at the American Embassy & authenticated at the Prefettura. See Days & Hours below for Embassy & for Prefettura
Step 1:
American Embassy in Rome (Ambasciata Americana)
via Vittorio Veneto 121
00187 Roma
Telephone No: +39 06-46741
Days & Hours: Monday - Friday (except holidays) from 8:30 - 12:30 p.m. (Subject to change) to get the “Dichiarazione Giurata”/sworn statement (Nulla Osta) - By Appointment ONLY - https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=RME&appcode=1
- Note: The system will only accept appointments 1 month in advance (subject to change)
Website: https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/ and https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/marriage-rome/
Cost: $ 50.00 per person (cash) or equivalent in Euro. (Subject to change)
- Both U.S. citizens MUST make appointments online (https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=NPL&appcode=1). Print out a confirmation slip for each citizen after you have made the appointments.
- When you arrive at the American Embassy, you will have to present passports as well as the slips showing proof of your appointments made online to the Guard at the gate and explain that you are here to make a sworn statement for marriage.
- You will have to fill out the “Dichiarazione Giurata”/sworn statement form for each American Citizen and sign them in front of a Consular officer inside. This is the final declaration to be made in Italy stating you are free to marry. This process should take about 1 hour or so. To download the form, please click on https://it.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/67/2016/09/ACS-MarriageNullaOstaRome.pdf
- It is extremely important that your names on the sworn statement are the same as on your passports.
- Also, if divorced or widowed, you will need to provide the following information for the Nulla Osta form.
- Divorced (bring a copy)
- Name of former spouse
- Country of citizenship of former spouse
- Marriage date and location of where marriage took place
- State where divorce took place
- Date of divorce and city, town where divorce took place
- Widowed (need to bring original death certificate)
- Name of deceased spouse
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Please note: Under Italian law, a woman who has been divorced or widowed and wishes to re-marry in Italy cannot do so until 300 days have passed from the date of her divorce/death of husband. It is possible, however, to apply for a dispensation to this through the Civil Law Courts (Tribunale Civile). Further information should be obtained from the Town Hall (Comune) of the area where the marriage is to take place and we can assist you for the application - please contact us for full details.
After you leave the Embassy, take a TAXI to the Prefettura of Rome Ufficio Legalizzazione. (it’s about a 20 min drive)
Step 2:
Authentication of Dichiarazione Giurata/Nulla Ostas at the Prefettura in ROME
Prefettura of Rome Ufficio Legalizzazione:
Address: Viale Ostiense 131/L, Rome (staircase B II floor)
Address: Viale Ostiense 131/L, Rome (staircase B II floor)
Website: http://www.prefettura.it/roma/contenuti/46459.htm
Main Telephone Number: + 39 06-6729-4633.
Days & Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday ONLY, except Holidays - from 9 am– 12 noon (Subject to change). - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
- IMPORTANT NOTES:
- This step is can ONLY be done AFTER you have received your Nulla Osta from the American Embassy; therefore, you MUST make your appointments directly with the American Embassy on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday (except US/Italian Holidays) as the Prefettura office is open those 4 days.
- This step must be by Appointment ONLY; therefore, it's important that you hire the guide (as this office speaks very little English). The guide will make the appointment for you at the Prefettura office AFTER you let us know when you have made your appointment at the Embassy. NOTE: Please let your wedding planner know ASAP when this has been done
- You will need to purchase stamps for each citizen ahead of time which will be used to authenticate the Nulla Ostas you received from the Embassy. Note: We strongly recommend you purchase these before you go to the American Embassy. You can go to any Tabacchi/Tabacchino (tobacco store) and purchase the stamps. They are called Marca da Bollo
- Stamp Cost: € 16.00 each. (subject to change)
Note: information is subject to change so please double check the times, cost, etc.
Information & Instructions for American Consulate & Prefettura in MILAN
Information below is subject to change. Please always double check with the Consulate/Embassy at https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/notarial-services/
Step 1:
American Consulate in Milan (Consolato Americana)
Address: via Principe Amedeo, 2/10 – 20121 Milano
Telephone (switchboard): (+39) 02-290351
Days & Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursdays ONLY from 9:30 - 12:00 noon; except Holidays (subject to change) - by Appointment ONLY - https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=MLN&appcode=1
Please see website for info - https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/marriage-milan/
Cost: $ 50.00 per person (cash) or equivalent in Euro. (Subject to change)
- Both U.S. citizens MUST make appointments online https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=MLN&appcode=1 Print out a confirmation slip for each citizen after you have made the appointments
- When you arrive at the American Consulate, you will have to present your passports as well as proof of your appointments made online (print out your confirmation slips ahead of time) to the Guard at the gate and explain that you are here to make a sworn statement for marriage.
- Tell them you are here to make a sworn statement for marriage. You will have to fill out a Nulla Osta form for each American Citizen and sign them in front of a Consular officer. The Nulla Osta is the final declaration to be made in Italy stating you are free to marry. This process should take about 1 hour or so. To download the Nulla Osta form, please scroll down to Where will you be going to obtain your Dichiarazione Giurata? and click on Marriage Dichiarazione Giurata Consulate Milan.
- It is extremely important that your names on the Nulla Ostas are exactly the same as on your passports.
- Also if divorced or widowed, you will need to provide the following information for the Nulla Osta form.
- Divorced (bring a copy)
- Name of former spouse
- Country of citizenship of former spouse
- Marriage date and location of where marriage took place
- State where divorce took place
- Date of divorce and city, town where divorce took place
- Widowed (need to bring original death certificate)
- Name of deceased spouse
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Please note: Under Italian law, a woman who has been divorced or widowed and wishes to re-marry in Italy cannot do so until 300 days have passed from the date of her divorce/death of husband. It is possible, however, to apply for a dispensation to this through the Civil Law Courts (Tribunale Civile). Further information should be obtained from the Town Hall (Comune) of the area where the marriage is to take place and we can assist you for the application - please contact us for full details.
After you leave the Consulate, you must authenticate the docs :
Step 2:
Authentication of Nulla Ostas at the Prefettura in MILAN - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (see website below)
Prefettura of Milan
Ufficio Legalizzazioni
Via Servio Tullio 4
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday ONLY, except Holiday from 10:00 - 12:00 Noon (subject to change) - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
E-mail: legalizzazione.pref_milano@interno.it
Website: http://www.prefettura.it/milano/contenuti/47614.htm
- IMPORTANT NOTES:
- This step is by Appointment ONLY. Please note that this office speaks limited English; therefore, it is highly recommended that you hire the guide. The guide will make the appointment for you at the Prefettura office AFTER you let us know when you have made your appointment at the Consulate. NOTE: Please let your wedding planner know ASAP when this has been done
- You will need to purchase stamps for each citizen ahead of time which will be used to authenticate the Nulla Ostas you received from the Embassy. Note: We strongly recommend you purchase these before you go to the American Consulate. You can go to any Tabacchi/Tabacchino (tobacco store) and purchase the stamps. They are called Marca da Bollo
- Stamp Cost: € 16.00 each. (subject to change)
Note: information is subject to change so please double check the times, cost, etc.