How much does a certified true copy cost in Italy?
A certified true copy normally costs EUR 16 in stamp duty for up to four pages, plus any local charge: Rome's reference total is EUR 16.52.
Verifiable answer
A certified true copy normally costs EUR 16 in stamp duty for up to four pages, plus any local charge: Rome's reference total is EUR 16.52.
- How much does a certified true copy cost in Italy?
- €16.52 / authenticated copy
- €16 – €33
- Italy; local charges vary
- 11 September 2026
- Confidence: High
- Stamp duty up to four pages; Copy authentication; Municipal charge where applicable
- Photocopying or scanning; Archive search; Postal delivery; Translation or apostille
- Page count; Availability of an exemption; Authenticating authority; Need for archive research
- 2 sources
Short answer
Stamp duty is the main cost and can double on longer documents. First check whether the recipient accepts a simple copy with a self-declaration.
A certified true copy is a reproduction declared identical to the original by a public official. It is not needed every time someone asks for a photocopy: for many documents issued or held by public authorities, Italian rules allow the citizen to declare conformity themselves. Where authentication is genuinely needed, the main cost is stamp duty: EUR 16 for a sheet of up to four pages, unless an exemption applies. Rome adds EUR 0.52; other authorities may set different local charges.
What is included
- Stamp duty up to four pages
- Copy authentication
- Municipal charge where applicable
What is not included
- Photocopying or scanning
- Archive search
- Postal delivery
- Translation or apostille
How the price breaks down
| Item | Type | Frequency | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamp dutyA EUR 16 duty stamp covers up to four pages where no exemption applies. | Compulsory | one-off | €16 |
| Illustrative municipal chargeRome adds EUR 0.52; other authorities may apply different local charges. | Optional | one-off | €0.52 |
What the price depends on
- Page count
- Availability of an exemption
- Authenticating authority
- Need for archive research
Hidden costs
- A second stamp beyond four pages
- Archive research or reproduction charges
- Paying stamp duty where a self-declaration was enough
Three realistic scenarios
Exempt copy
€0
The purpose is exempt or the receiving body accepts a self-declaration.
Up to four pages
€16.52
EUR 16 stamp duty plus Rome's EUR 0.52 reference charge.
Longer document
€33
Two duty stamps beyond four pages, plus the local reference charge.
How to spend less
- Ask whether a self-declaration with a simple copy is accepted.
- Count pages before buying stamps.
- Check whether the purpose qualifies for an exemption.
- Bring both original and full photocopy to avoid a second visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does a certified true copy always cost EUR 16?
No. EUR 16 is the ordinary stamp duty up to four pages. Local charges or a second stamp can be added, while an exemption can reduce the duty to zero.
When can I certify a copy myself?
For categories such as documents held or issued by a public authority, publications, qualifications and certain tax documents, a self-declaration may be permitted. Confirm that the receiving body accepts it.
Do I need a notary?
Not necessarily. Public offices may authenticate copies as well. A notary is one option, but it is not the price reference used in this guide.
Sources and methodology
How we worked it out
The EUR 16 core figure was checked against official pages from Rome Capitale and the State Archive of Varese. Rome's EUR 0.52 charge is an explicitly local illustration, not a national total. The maximum reflects two stamps for a document longer than four pages and excludes copying, archive search and postage, which vary by authority. Exemptions may reduce stamp duty to zero.
Why this confidence level
Confidence is High for the EUR 16 stamp duty, confirmed by two public sources. Extra charges are local, so Rome's total is presented only as a territorial reference.
EUR 16 stamp duty up to four pages and EUR 0.52 municipal charge
Autenticazioni e legalizzazioni (opens in a new tab)
Roma Capitale · Public authority · Verified on 11 September 2026
Official municipal page that also describes exemptions and cases where a self-declaration can replace authentication.
Authority4/5
EUR 16 stamp duty for each four-page sheet, unless exempt
Copie conformi o autentiche (opens in a new tab)
Archivio di Stato di Varese — Ministero della Cultura · Public authority · Verified on 11 September 2026
A second public source confirming the stamp-duty rule and the distinction between an authenticated copy and a simple reproduction.
Authority4/5
Revision history
First published on 11 September 2026 after checking public sources for stamp duty and local charges.
- 11 September 2026
- 11 September 2026
- 11 March 2027
What did you actually pay?
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