While gathering the required family records, it is not uncommon to discover inconsistencies in these documents. There may be name, date or place differences or spelling errors in birth, marriage and death documents. Examples might be the misspelling of first or last names, such as Americanization of Italian names, nicknames instead of formal names or different birth dates on different documents.
Italian Consulates require that documents be correct and consistent with the names and dates listed in the Italian family documents. We recommend if you discover discrepancies, that you address them and make an effort to correct the record before your consular appointment with an official "affidavit to amend a record". Be aware that most states do not allow a descendant to correct a birth record for someone who is deceased. They may allow corrections with required supporting evidence for marriage and death records. Not all states allow all descendants to correct documents so it is our advice that you check with the appropriate vital records office to ascertain who can correct and what documentation is required. Depending on the circumstances some states may require a court order to get a correction.
Also be aware that US Naturalization records cannot be corrected for someone who is deceased.
Once corrections are made, obtain the appropriate Apostille, have the document translated to Italian and submit it with your application. If you find that you are not able to obtain an amendment, the Italian Consulate may advise you what your options are, if any, in order for you to be successful with your Italian dual citizenship application. At any rate, it's always helpful to have the Vital records office write up the reasons why a specific vital record cannot be amended.
New to the Process? We are offering a FREE Telephone Consultation for applicants who have questions regarding QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, required documentation, ESTIMATED COST, timelines, and tips on how to make an appointment with the Italian Consulate here in the US (among other questions). We will also perform some free preliminary research to establish if you have a path to Italian Citizenship! Book your FREE Consultation at your convenience.
If you already know you qualify, you can purchase our Start-to-Finish Program. At My Italian Family, we don’t just give advice, we handle all the purchasing and preparation of your entire portfolio of documents, whether you apply at an Italian Consulate here in the US or you apply in Italy (including 1948 Challenge Courts Cases). Our experience spans the past 20 years, and we have expert knowledge of what each Consulate requires, as well as what the Italian Courts require. TO GET STARTED AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.