Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in Italy?

Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in Italy?

Applying for an Italian passport is an important step for Italian citizens who want to travel internationally, renew an existing passport, replace a lost or damaged document, or obtain their first passport.

The application process is generally straightforward, but applicants need to prepare the correct documents, arrange an appointment when required, complete identity and biometric checks, and pay the applicable fees.

For applicants in Italy, passport applications are generally handled through the relevant Questura or Police passport office. Appointments can normally be arranged through the Italian State Police’s online passport system using SPID or CIE. Italian citizens living abroad generally apply through the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.

This guide explains how to apply for an Italian passport, including eligibility, required documents, the application process, passport fees, biometric requirements, renewal, lost or damaged passports, children’s passports, applications from abroad, common mistakes, case studies, and frequently asked questions.

Important: Passport procedures, appointment availability, documentation and local instructions can vary. Always check the latest instructions from the relevant Italian Police office, embassy or consulate before submitting an application.

What Is an Italian Passport?

An Italian passport is an official travel document issued to Italian citizens for international travel.

The ordinary Italian passport is an electronic biometric passport containing identifying information about the holder. For adults, the ordinary Italian passport generally has a 10-year validity period.

An Italian passport can be used to:

• Travel internationally
• Prove identity and Italian citizenship
• Apply for visas when required
• Enter foreign countries subject to their immigration rules
• Return to Italy after international travel
• Complete certain international administrative procedures

Having an Italian passport does not automatically guarantee entry into every country. Destination countries may have separate visa, electronic travel authorization, passport-validity or other entry requirements.

Who Can Apply for an Italian Passport?

An Italian citizen can apply for an Italian passport if they meet the applicable requirements.

Depending on the circumstances, an applicant may be applying for:

• A first Italian passport
• A new passport after expiration
• A replacement for a damaged passport
• A replacement for a lost or stolen passport
• A passport for a child
• A passport while living abroad
• A passport after acquiring Italian citizenship

If you have recently acquired Italian citizenship or your personal or civil-status information has changed, it is important to make sure the relevant records are correctly updated before applying, particularly when applying through an Italian consulate abroad.

Italian Passport Requirements and Documents

Before starting your Italian passport application, prepare the documents relevant to your situation.

For a standard application in Italy, documents may include:

• Completed passport application form
• Valid identity document
• Copy of the identity document
• Recent passport photographs meeting the required standards
• Previous Italian passport, if applicable
• Proof of the required payments
• Loss or theft report, if the previous passport was lost or stolen
• Additional documents for special circumstances

Current Italian Police instructions specify identity documentation, photographs, the applicable passport payments and the previous passport or relevant loss/theft documentation where applicable.

The exact document checklist can vary according to the applicant and the office handling the application, so check the instructions provided with your appointment.

How to Get an Italian Passport: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm That You Are Eligible

Before starting the application, confirm that you are an Italian citizen and determine why you need the passport.

Common reasons include:

• Applying for your first passport
• Replacing an expired or expiring passport
• Replacing a damaged passport
• Replacing a lost passport
• Replacing a stolen passport
• Obtaining a passport for international travel
• Applying after acquiring Italian citizenship

Understanding the reason for your application helps determine which documents you need.

For example, a person replacing a lost passport may need documentation reporting the loss or theft, while a first-time applicant may need to ensure that citizenship and identity records are in order.

Step 2: Check Your Personal Information

Before submitting your application, carefully check your official information.

Review:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Italian citizenship information
• Address
• Civil-status information
• Previous passport details

This is particularly important for Italian citizens living abroad. Consular authorities may need personal and civil-status records to be correctly updated before issuing a passport.

If important information has changed because of marriage, divorce, a change of residence or another life event, check whether the relevant records need to be updated.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Gather your documents before attending your appointment.

A typical adult application may require:

• Passport application form
• Valid identity document
• Copy of the identity document
• Recent compliant passport photographs
• Previous passport, if available
• Proof of payment
• Loss or theft report, if applicable

Bring original documents whenever required and keep copies of important paperwork.

Local passport offices may provide additional instructions, so review the requirements associated with your appointment.

Step 4: Get Compliant Passport Photos

Your passport photographs must meet the required standards.

Italian passport applications require recent photographs that comply with applicable ICAO requirements. Official instructions can specify requirements concerning the background, facial position and image quality.

Before taking your photographs, check that:

• The photograph is recent
• Your face is clearly visible
• The background meets the required standard
• The photograph has the required dimensions
• Your face is positioned correctly
• There are no unnecessary objects or people in the background

Poor-quality or non-compliant photographs can result in the need to provide replacement photographs.

Step 5: Book an Italian Passport Appointment

Applicants in Italy can generally use the Italian State Police’s PassaportOnline system to arrange a passport appointment.

The online appointment system can be accessed using SPID or CIE. Applicants can select the relevant service and available appointment according to the local system.

Appointment availability can vary significantly between locations. If you already know that you will be travelling internationally, it is sensible to start the process well in advance.

Step 6: Choose the Correct Passport Office

Italian passport applications are generally handled through the relevant:

• Questura
• Police passport office
• Authorized Police office or Commissariato, where applicable

Applications may generally be submitted through the office responsible for the applicant’s residence, domicile or other applicable jurisdiction, depending on the circumstances and local rules.

If you are unsure which office is responsible for your application, check the instructions of your local Questura before booking an appointment.

Step 7: Complete the Passport Application Form

Complete the application form carefully and make sure the information matches your official identity documents.

Check details such as:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Address
• Contact information
• Previous passport information
• Other information requested on the form

Do not guess information. If your official records contain inconsistencies, resolve them before submitting the application whenever possible.

Step 8: Pay the Italian Passport Fees

Understanding the Italian passport fee is an important part of the application.

As of the current fee structure, the ordinary passport booklet payment is €42.70, while the administrative contribution is €73.50. The €42.70 payment method was changed from 1 December 2025 and is now made through the channels specified by the authorities, including Poste Italiane and PagoPA-related payment providers.

Because payment procedures can change, verify the current amount and accepted payment method before attending your appointment.

Step 9: Attend the Appointment in Person

Applicants generally need to attend the passport appointment in person.

During the appointment, officials may:

• Verify your identity
• Check your documents
• Review your application
• Confirm your photograph
• Collect biometric information where applicable
• Take fingerprints where required
• Complete the application procedure

Bring every document listed in your appointment instructions.

Step 10: Complete Biometric Identification

The Italian passport is a biometric travel document.

Depending on the applicant’s age and circumstances, biometric information may be collected during the application process.

For minors, Italian Police guidance states that fingerprints are collected from the age of 12. Children travelling internationally must have their own individual travel document.

Follow the instructions provided by the passport office during your appointment.

Step 11: Complete the Passport Application

After the passport office verifies your documents and identity, the application can proceed through the issuing process.

Before leaving the office, make sure you understand:

• How the passport will be collected or delivered
• Whether you will receive a notification
• Whether additional documents are required
• How to follow up on the application
• What to do if you have urgent travel plans

Keep your application receipt and other official documents until you receive your passport.

Step 12: Collect Your Italian Passport

Once the passport has been issued, follow the instructions provided by the relevant office for collection or delivery.

When you receive your passport, carefully check:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Photograph
• Passport number
• Date of issue
• Expiration date
• Other personal information

If you identify an error, contact the issuing authority promptly rather than waiting until your next international trip.

How to Apply for an Italian Passport From Abroad

Italian citizens living outside Italy generally apply through the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for their area.

The process may differ from the domestic application procedure.

An Italian citizen living abroad may need to:

1. Identify the responsible Italian embassy or consulate.
2. Check their consular registration details.
3. Verify AIRE information where applicable.
4. Check civil-status information.
5. Arrange a consular appointment according to local procedures.
6. Prepare the required passport documents.
7. Attend the appointment in person.
8. Complete biometric procedures where required.
9. Pay the applicable consular fee.
10. Collect the new passport according to the mission’s instructions.

Consular procedures and appointment systems can differ between countries, so applicants should follow the instructions of the Italian diplomatic mission responsible for their residence.

How to Renew an Italian Passport

Italy generally issues a new passport document when an ordinary passport expires rather than extending the old booklet.

For adults, an ordinary Italian passport is generally valid for 10 years.

When applying for a new passport, you may need:

• Previous Italian passport
• Valid identity document
• Copy of the identity document
• Recent compliant photographs
• Completed application
• Proof of payment
• Additional documents where circumstances have changed

Do not wait until your passport expires if you have upcoming international travel. Also check the passport-validity rules of your destination country because some countries require several months of remaining validity.

What to Do If Your Italian Passport Is Lost or Stolen

A lost or stolen passport should be dealt with promptly.

If your Italian passport is lost or stolen:

1. Report the loss or theft to the appropriate authorities.
2. Obtain the relevant report or declaration.
3. Prepare another valid identity document if available.
4. Contact the appropriate Italian passport authority.
5. Complete the replacement application.
6. Provide the loss or theft documentation.
7. Pay the applicable fees.
8. Complete identity verification.
9. Follow the instructions for receiving the replacement document.

The Italian Police documentation specifically refers to loss or theft reporting when the previous passport cannot be presented.

If you are abroad when your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest Italian embassy or consulate as soon as possible.

What to Do If Your Italian Passport Is Damaged

A severely damaged passport may need to be replaced, particularly if important personal or security information is no longer readable.

If your passport is damaged:

• Keep the damaged passport
• Prepare your identity document
• Check the replacement requirements
• Obtain new photographs if required
• Pay the applicable fees
• Attend the appointment if required
• Submit the damaged passport when instructed

Do not attempt to repair, laminate, alter or modify your passport yourself.

Italian Passport for Children and Minors

Italian children travelling internationally need their own individual travel document. Children can no longer simply be included on a parent’s passport.

Depending on the circumstances, a minor’s application may require:

• Child’s identity document
• Passport application form
• Recent passport photograph
• Parent or guardian identification
• Documents establishing the relevant parental or guardianship relationship
• Required declarations or consents
• Proof of payment
• Previous passport, if applicable

The passport validity period for minors differs from that of adults. Italian Police guidance states that passports for children under 3 generally have a 3-year validity, while passports for children from 3 to under 18 generally have a 5-year validity.

For children aged 12 and above, biometric requirements also apply, including fingerprint collection according to the applicable rules.

Because rules concerning parental consent can depend on the specific circumstances, parents should check the latest instructions before applying.

Case Studies: Common Italian Passport Situations

Case Study 1: First Italian Passport

Imagine an Italian citizen who has never previously held an Italian passport and wants to travel abroad for the first time.

The applicant should:

1. Confirm Italian citizenship.
2. Prepare valid identification.
3. Obtain compliant passport photographs.
4. Complete the application.
5. Book an appointment.
6. Pay the required fees.
7. Attend the appointment.
8. Complete identification and biometric procedures.
9. Receive the passport.
10. Check all personal information.

Key lesson: First-time applicants should prepare their documents before the appointment rather than waiting until the last day.

Case Study 2: Passport Expiring Soon

An Italian citizen has a passport that will expire in several months and has an international trip planned.

Instead of waiting until the final weeks, the applicant should check:

• Passport expiration date
• Destination-country passport-validity requirements
• Appointment availability
• Current passport fees
• Required documents

Key lesson: Check both your passport expiration date and the entry requirements of your destination before travelling.

Case Study 3: Italian Citizen Living Abroad

An Italian citizen permanently living overseas needs a new passport.

The applicant should first identify the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for their area.

They may also need to verify their consular registration, AIRE information and civil-status records before proceeding with the passport application.

Key lesson: Italian citizens living abroad should check their consular records before starting the passport process.

Case Study 4: Lost Italian Passport While Travelling

An Italian citizen loses their passport while travelling abroad.

This should not be treated like an ordinary renewal.

The traveller should:

1. Report the loss or theft.
2. Contact the nearest Italian embassy or consulate.
3. Provide another identity document if available.
4. Complete the required declaration.
5. Follow the instructions of the diplomatic mission.
6. Apply for the appropriate replacement or emergency travel document if available and applicable.

Key lesson: Report a lost or stolen passport immediately because it is both an identity document and an international travel document.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Italian Passport

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

Passport appointments may not always be immediately available. Start early if you have planned international travel.

2. Using Incorrect Passport Photos

Photographs must meet the applicable requirements. Check the current specifications before taking your photographs.

3. Forgetting the Previous Passport

If you already have an Italian passport, take the previous document with you when required.

4. Using Outdated Fee Information

Passport payment procedures changed from December 2025, so always check the current payment amount and method before applying.

5. Entering Incorrect Personal Information

Carefully check your name, date of birth, address and other personal information.

6. Ignoring Consular Records When Living Abroad

Italian citizens living overseas should check whether their AIRE and civil-status information is correctly recorded.

7. Assuming Every Italian Office Has Identical Procedures

The basic passport rules are national, but appointment availability, local instructions and consular procedures can differ.

FAQs

How do I get an Italian passport?

Italian citizens living in Italy generally apply through the relevant Questura or Police passport office. Appointments can normally be arranged through the PassaportOnline system using SPID or CIE.

Italian citizens living abroad generally apply through the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.

Can I apply for an Italian passport online?

You can normally use the online system to arrange an appointment, but the entire passport application is not necessarily completed online.

Applicants generally need to attend in person for document verification and applicable biometric procedures.

How much does an Italian passport cost?

Under the current ordinary passport fee structure, the passport booklet payment is €42.70, together with the €73.50 administrative contribution.

Because fees and payment procedures can change, check the latest official instructions before making payment.

How long is an Italian passport valid?

An ordinary Italian passport for an adult is generally valid for 10 years. Children’s passports have different validity periods depending on age.

Do I need to renew my Italian passport after it expires?

When an ordinary Italian passport expires, you generally apply for the issuance of a new passport rather than extending the old document.

What documents are required for an Italian passport?

Typical requirements include:

• Passport application form
• Valid identity document
• Copy of the identity document
• Recent passport photographs
• Previous passport, if applicable
• Proof of required payments
• Loss or theft report where applicable

Additional documentation may be required for children or special circumstances.

Can I get an Italian passport if I live abroad?

Yes. Italian citizens living abroad can generally apply through the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for their area.

Applicants should check their consular registration, AIRE information and civil-status records where applicable.

Do children need their own Italian passport?

Yes. Italian children travelling internationally need their own individual travel document.

At what age are fingerprints taken for an Italian passport?

Italian Police guidance states that fingerprints are taken from minors starting at 12 years of age.

What should I do if my Italian passport is lost?

Report the loss or theft and contact the appropriate Italian passport authority. If you are abroad, contact the nearest Italian embassy or consulate.

You may need a loss or theft report and another valid identity document.

Can I travel with a damaged Italian passport?

A badly damaged passport may cause problems with airlines or border authorities, particularly if important information or security features are unreadable.

If your passport is damaged, contact the relevant passport authority before travelling.

How early should I apply for an Italian passport?

Apply well before your planned international trip. Appointment availability can vary, so waiting until the final few weeks can create unnecessary problems.

Can I apply at any Questura in Italy?

Not necessarily. Passport applications are generally handled according to the relevant jurisdiction, such as residence, domicile or another applicable connection. Some circumstances may allow an application through another office, but additional authorization or justification may be required.

Italian Passport Application Checklist

Before attending your appointment, use this checklist:

• Confirm that you are an Italian citizen
• Determine whether you need a first passport or replacement
• Complete the application form
• Prepare a valid identity document
• Make a copy of your identity document
• Obtain recent compliant passport photographs
• Bring your previous passport if applicable
• Obtain a loss or theft report if necessary
• Check the current passport fees
• Use the correct payment method
• Book your appointment
• Bring all required documents
• Attend the appointment in person
• Complete biometric procedures where applicable
• Keep your application receipt
• Check the passport carefully after receiving it
• Confirm that the passport has sufficient validity for your destination

Conclusion

Applying for an Italian passport is generally a structured process, but good preparation can make the experience much easier.

First, determine whether you are applying for a first passport, a replacement, a new passport after expiration, a child’s passport or a passport while living abroad. Then prepare the required documents, arrange the appropriate appointment, make the required payments, attend the appointment in person and complete the applicable identity and biometric procedures.

For applicants in Italy, the relevant Questura or Police passport office normally handles the application, while Italian citizens abroad generally apply through the appropriate embassy or consulate.

The current passport payment structure should also be checked carefully because the ordinary passport payment method changed in December 2025.

Whether you are travelling for tourism, business, education, family reasons or another purpose, applying early is one of the best ways to avoid unnecessary travel problems. Always verify the latest instructions with the relevant Italian authorities before submitting your application, particularly if you are applying from abroad, replacing a lost or damaged passport, or applying for a child.

Also Read:-
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