Recent changes in the issuance of Italian civil records older than 100 years

For decades, requesting historical Italian civil records—especially birth, marriage, or death certificates more than 100 years old—was, in most cases, a free process or involved only minimal costs, such as postage or a prepaid envelope. This long-standing practice greatly facilitated genealogical research and Italian citizenship applications by descent.

In recent years, however, significant changes have taken place in the administrative procedures applied by several Italian municipalities (comuni). Within the framework of new regulations and a sustained increase in the number of requests, some municipalities have begun to apply administrative fees for the issuance of historical records, particularly those older than 100 years. In certain cases, these fees may reach up to €300 per document, depending on the municipality.

It is important to note that there is no uniform policy across Italy. While some municipalities continue to issue records free of charge, others have introduced fees for document searches, certification, or issuance, and some apply intermediate systems. As a result, the assumption that these records are always free of charge is no longer valid.

These changes affect both those conducting genealogical research and those seeking documentation for Italian citizenship applications, making it essential to contact the relevant municipality in advance to confirm costs, payment methods, and delivery options (email, certified email – PEC, or postal mail).

At Surnames in Italy, we have updated our request templates and practical guidelines to reflect the current situation and provide clear, realistic information. As procedures may continue to evolve and vary from one municipality to another, applicants are strongly advised to verify the specific conditions applicable to their case before submitting a request.