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Tifini Vega Notary, Apostille and Translations Services

How to Apostille Documents for Use in Italy (California Guide)

  • Writer: Tifini Vega
    Tifini Vega
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

If you need to use a U.S. document in Italy, it must first be authenticated with an apostille. Because both the United States and Italy are members of the Hague Convention, an apostille issued by the California Secretary of State confirms the validity of signatures and seals so your document is legally accepted in Italy.

Whether your documents are for Italian citizenship, marriage, education, property transactions, or business matters, this guide explains the apostille process clearly — and how I can help ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

California apostille for documents used in Italy

Apostille for Italy: Documents Commonly Required

Personal & Legal Documents

  • Birth certificates

  • Marriage certificates

  • Death certificates

  • Divorce decrees

  • Name change documents

  • Powers of Attorney

Citizenship & Immigration Documents

  • Documents for Italian dual citizenship (jure sanguinis)

  • Naturalization paperwork

  • Court records

Educational Documents

  • Diplomas

  • Transcripts

  • Enrollment letters

Business & Corporate Documents

  • Articles of Incorporation

  • Certificates of Good Standing

  • Corporate resolutions

  • Employment letters


How to Apostille Documents for Italy in California

1. Confirm you have the correct document type

  • Vital records must be certified copies from the County Recorder or CDPH

  • Notarized documents must include correct California wording

  • School documents must be certified by the registrar and notarized

  • Corporate documents must be signed by an authorized representative and notarized

2. Apostille submission

The California Secretary of State verifies the signature, notary commission, and seal before issuing the apostille.

3. Ready for use in Italy

Once apostilled, no Italian consulate or embassy visit is required.


Common Mistakes When Apostilling for Italy

  • Using outdated or unofficial vital records

  • Missing required California notarial wording

  • Using UPS Store notarizations (frequently rejected)

  • Notarizing documents that should not be notarized

  • Submitting documents to the wrong state

  • Removing staples (voids the apostille)

I review all documents before submission to prevent delays or rejections.


Apostille Services in the Bay Area

I provide apostille services for documents being used in Italy throughout the Bay Area, including document review, mobile notarization, and submission to the California Secretary of State.


My Apostille Facilitation Service for Italy

I assist with document review, notarization when required, California Secretary of State apostille processing, and secure return delivery.

If you’re on a deadline or want to ensure your documents are accepted in Italy without issues, I’m here to help.


Call or text: (650) 554-0089


For a general overview of California apostille requirements and how certified copies of vital records are obtained, see my California Apostille Services guide.

 
 
 

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