Italian birth certificate translation: copia integrale, estratto or certificato?

An Italian birth certificate translation starts with knowing which record you have: the comune issues a full copy (copia integrale), a summary extract (estratto per riassunto) or a simple certificate (certificato di nascita). Each one shows a different amount of information, and the certified translation into English reproduces exactly what is on yours, with every stamp, seal and note, plus the signed statement of accuracy that USCIS asks for.

The receiving agency decides which version it accepts. The translation cannot add what the record does not show, so it pays to check the version before you order.

Key takeaways

• The comune issues three formats: copia integrale, estratto per riassunto and certificato di nascita.
• The receiving agency decides which version it accepts; ask before you order.
• The translation keeps every name exactly as in the original, even when the family uses another spelling.
• Italian dates are day, month, year: 03/10/2026 is October 3, not March 10.
• For the US, the translation comes certified, with the statement of accuracy and notarization included.

Table of contents

• The three formats of an Italian birth record
• Names, dates and numbers
• Stamps, seals and margin notes
• Where the translation is used
• FAQ

The three formats of an Italian birth record

Format	What it usually shows
Copia integrale	A full copy of the birth record, with the details and notes registered over time
Estratto per riassunto	A summary extract of the main details of the record
Certificato di nascita	A short certificate confirming the birth

The comune can also issue a family status certificate (stato di famiglia), which is a different document. If an agency asked for a specific format, order that one from the comune first: the translation follows the record, it does not complete it.

Names, dates and numbers

In Italian civil records a married woman keeps her birth surname, and particles such as De, Di or D’ keep their spelling. An ancestor can appear as Giuseppe in Italy and as Joseph in the US: the translation keeps each name exactly as in the original. Dates are written day, month and year, decimals use a comma and thousands a period, so 1.500,00 is one thousand five hundred.

Stamps, seals and margin notes

A full copy often carries margin notes, such as a later marriage, added to the record over the years. The certified translation reproduces every stamp, seal and note, so the reader in the US sees the same document the comune issued.

Where the translation is used

For the US (USCIS, courts, universities and employers), the translation comes certified into English. For Brazil, it can be a sworn translation into Portuguese. For a process in Italy, we tell you the options before quoting, including the Hague apostille when it applies. Our Italian translation page lists every language pair we translate.

How we handle Italian records

• Human translator native in the target language, reviewed by a second one
• Statement of accuracy and US notarization included, with no separate charge
• Italian from Italy and Switzerland, in both directions
• ATA member, number 273295, verifiable in the official directory
• Support 7 days a week, with answers within one hour

FAQ

Which Italian birth record should I translate?

The one the receiving agency asks for. If it does not say, ask before ordering: the translation follows the record and cannot add details it does not show.

Will the translation change my ancestor’s name to the English spelling?

No. The translation keeps each name exactly as in the original document.

How is an Italian date translated?

Italian dates are day, month and year, so 03/10/2026 becomes October 3, 2026 in the translation.

Is the translation accepted by USCIS?

Yes. It comes certified into English, with the signed statement of accuracy and notarization included.

Have an Italian record to translate?

Send a photo or scan, see the price and the deadline instantly, and receive the certified translation as a PDF.

Related topics: Italian translation | certified translation | certified translation for USCIS | help center

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