Recognition is a legal act through which children born outside of marriage can be recognized by the mother, the father, or both, either jointly or separately.
For example: if the parents have entered into a marriage that does not produce civil effects in Italy, it may be necessary in order to register the child’s birth certificate in Italy. In this case, the birth certificate usually lists both parents’ names in the appropriate sections, but only one of them as the declarant (“informant” in British birth certificates).
Note: If the parents have entered into a marriage abroad that has civil effects in Italy, it will NOT be possible to proceed with a recognition of the child for the purpose of registering the birth. Instead, the parents must register their marriage in Italy.
For example: if one of the parents does not appear in the “parents” section of the birth certificate, they may proceed later with recognition, with the consent of the parent who first recognized the child.
Note: If the father recognizes the child after the mother, an adult child may choose whether to keep only the mother’s surname or request to take the father’s surname, by placing it before, adding it to, or replacing the mother’s surname through a specific procedure. For minor children, the competent court decides on the attribution of the father’s surname, upon request of the interested parties.
REQUIREMENTS
- At least one of the parents must be an Italian citizen. Dual citizens must present a valid Italian ID;
- Parents must be at least 14 years old. Parents under 14 require authorization from the competent court;
- There must be no family relationship or affinity between the parents that would prevent recognition;
- Understanding of the Italian language is required. If the parties do not understand Italian, the procedure under Articles 54 and 55 of Law No. 89 of 16/02/1913 will apply;
- Consent (signature) of the parent who first recognized the child (only in the case of separate recognition acts);
- Consent (signature) of the child being recognized (only if the child is over 14 years old).
Those unable to attend the Consulate may obtain a valid recognition act for Italy by signing it before any UK notary public and then having it apostilled by the Legalisation Office (many notaries also offer this service).
BOOKING AND COST OF THE SERVICE
Applicants must request an appointment by emailing: notarile.londra@esteri.it, including:
- Name, surname, date and place of birth, citizenship, and address of the parent recognizing the child;
- Name, surname, date and place of birth, citizenship, and address of the parent who has already recognized the child;
- Name, surname, date and place of birth, and address of the child to be recognized.
Once the request is reviewed, the office will reply with an appointment.
At the appointment, applicants must bring:
- The appointment confirmation email;
- A valid ID document;
- The child’s birth certificate;
- A UK debit card for payment.
The cost of the service is double the amount indicated in Article 26 of the Consular Fees.
Please note: Payments at the Consulate can only be made by UK debit card (no contactless, no Apple Pay, no credit cards, no Italian debit cards).
Note: If the child is over 14 years old, they must attend the appointment to sign.
USE OF THE CHILD RECOGNITION ACT
On the day of the appointment, an original copy of the signed act will be issued. Applicants must arrange for its registration with the competent authorities:
- If the child’s birth certificate has already been registered with a municipality in Italy, a copy of the recognition act must be provided to that municipality;
- If the birth certificate has NOT yet been registered in Italy, a copy of the recognition act must be included with the rest of the documentation required by the relevant consular procedure.
For the Civil Status Office of the Consulate General of Italy in London, please refer to the relevant section.