Photo and signature authentication

PLEASE NOTE:

This service is only available for those registered on AIRE under the London catchment area. For those who are not registered under the London catchment area, some authentication or legalisation services are available by contacting the Notary Office via email.

In order to issue a passport for a child, photo legalization is mandatory only for minors aged 0 to 11, while for minors aged between 12 and 17, fingerprinting must be done at the Consulate as part of the passsport application.

AUTHENTICATION OF A SIGNATURE (Passport for minors between 0 and 17 years of age):

The parents’ consent is always required for the issue of a passport to a minor.
It is irrelevant whether the parents are married, cohabiting, separated, divorced or are natural parents.

If the parent giving consent is an EU national, they can simply complete and sign the relevant application form MOD2 (for minors between 12 and 17 years of age) or the application form MOD3 (for minors between 0 and 11 years of age) and enclose a photocopy of a valid passport or national ID card where the signature is visible, so that it can be compared to the one on the form.

If the parent giving consent is a non-EU national – which includes British nationals – they must sign the MOD2 form (for minors aged 12 to 17) or the MOD3 form (for minors aged 0 to 11), or alternatively, the specific AUT1 document, bringing their original and valid passport, in one of the following ways:

• AT THIS CONSULATE GENERAL IN LONDON:
  • for minors between 0 and 11 years of age: on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 4pm, without an appointment;
  • for minors between 12 and 17 years of age: on Wednesdays or Fridays, without an appointment;
  • for minors between 12 and 17 years of age: on the day of their appointment.

• WITHOUT COMING TO LONDON:
  • at one of the Honorary Consulates or Consular Agencies of our consular network;
  • at any British notary public. The declaration certified by the notary must then be legalised by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Get your document legalised);
  • before a public official in Italy;
  • If the non-EU parent is in a country other than Italy or the UK, before an officer of the relevant Italian Embassy or Consulate or before a local authority (e.g.: government official or public notary). In the latter case, legalization or apostille may be required, depending on existing international agreements.

If one of the parents is deceased, a copy of their death certificate must also be submitted (How to register a British death certificate).

In the absence of the other parent’s consent:

The applicant parent may submit a formal request to the Consul General seeking a consular order and stating the reasons why it is needed. The Consul General acts as a Judge for minors residing in this consular district.

• The process includes individual interviews with each parent, and a subsequent hearing in person at the Consulate which must be attended by both parents and the child/children in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.
• The formal request is subject to a consular fee (art. 31).
• Please note that processing time may vary due to individual circumstances and cannot be estimated in advance. The time and outcome of the application depends on the completion of the necessary steps required by Italian legislation and the collaboration of the other parent.

The prospective applicant is advised to contact in advance the Welfare Department by email: sociale.londra@esteri.it .

PHOTO LEGALISATION (AFFIDAVIT – Passport for minors between 0 and 17 years of age):

The photo of the minor must be authenticated in one of the following ways:

• BY COMING TO THE CONSULATE GENERAL IN LONDON:
  • One of the parents must come to the London Consulate General with the minor, without an appoitment, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4pm. Please submit:
    1. MOD3 application form;
    2. 3 identical photos of the minor;
    3. The original and valid passport or ID of the parent;
    4. The previous passport of the minor, if applicable (even if it is expired or deteriorated);
    5. If it is the first passport, another valid ID document.

• WITHOUT COMING TO THE LONDON CONSULATE GENERAL (if you choose it be done by a third party):
  • By having it countersigned by a British or EU national. AFT2 form must be accompanied by proof of their profession and photocopy of their valid ID document (passport or national ID card) page with photo and signature. As laid down by British legislation, the countersignatory must:
    • have known the parents for at least two years (it could be a friend, neighbour, or colleague);
    • not be related to you;
    • be ‘a person of good standing’ in their community;
    • have a recognised profession (may also be retired).

The British authorities have published a non-exhaustive list which includes teachers, dentists, pharmacists, photographers, civil servants etc.