Passport renewal in Italy
Renewing an Italian passport generally involves submitting an application, along with required documents and biometric data, to the appropriate Italian authority. The process can be done either in Italy at a Questura or abroad at an Italian Consulate or Embassy, depending on the applicant's residency.
It is advisable for individuals to begin the passport renewal process several months before their current passport's expiry date. This allows ample time to secure an appointment, gather all necessary documents, and account for potential processing delays, which can vary depending on the location and time of year.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for booking an appointment, gathering documents, and the processing time for the new passport, which can vary significantly depending on the issuing office's workload.
The process
- 1Determine the appropriate authority: Italian citizens residing in Italy apply at a Questura, while those residing abroad apply at their local Italian Embassy or Consulate.
- 2Book an appointment: Most authorities require an online appointment booking (Agenda Passaporto service in Italy, or specific consular booking systems abroad).
- 3Gather required documents: This typically includes the expiring passport, a valid identity document, two recent passport-sized photographs, and payment for the passport fee and administrative stamp.
- 4Attend the appointment: Submit the application, provide biometric data (fingerprints and signature), and present all original documents.
- 5Pay the fees: The passport fee and an administrative stamp (marca da bollo) are typically required. Payment methods can vary.
- 6Collect the new passport: Once issued, the new passport can usually be collected in person, or in some cases, sent via registered mail (if applicable and requested during the application).
What to bring
- Current Italian passport (even if expired)
- Valid identity document (e.g., Italian identity card, driving license)
- Two recent, identical passport-sized photographs (meeting ICAO standards)
- Proof of payment for the passport fee
- Electronic revenue stamp (marca da bollo telematica) of the specified value
Who handles it
Polizia di Stato (State Police) in Italy, or Ambasciate e Consolari italiani all'estero (Italian Embassies and Consulates abroad)
https://www.poliziadistato.it/
The cost for an Italian passport generally comprises a passport booklet fee and an administrative stamp. As of the last update, the total cost is approximately €116, but this can be subject to change. Applicants should verify the current fees directly with the issuing authority (Questura or Consulate) as part of their application process.
What commonly goes wrong
- Appointment availability can be limited, especially in busy periods; book well in advance.
- Passport photo specifications are strict; ensure photos meet ICAO standards to avoid rejection.
- Ensure all required documents are original and valid; photocopies are usually not accepted without the originals.
- The process and specific requirements can vary slightly between different Questure in Italy or different Consulates abroad.
Sources
- poliziadistato.it
- Servizi Consolari - Passaporti esteri.it
- Agenda Passaporto passaportonline.poliziadistato.it
Other documents in Italy
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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