The Italian Consular Offices provide some of the notarial functions provided for in our judicial system for Italian citizens who are permanently or temporary abroad. In essence, it draws public deeds (such as power of attorneys or wills) and sworn statements and provides various certifications and legalizations of signatures.
According to article 28 of the legislative Decree no. 71/2011 on The Organization and Functioning of Consular Offices, these notarial functions can be provided exclusively for Italian citizens. Therefore, this Consulate General cannot provide notary services for foreign citizens.
Contrary to the services provided in Italy by Notaries and Lawyers, the Consular Offices cannot act as legal consultant in private matters. Their advice, when requested, is limited only to the validity and legality of the deed that it is asked to draw.
In addition, the Consulates cannot registered deeds in Italy. If law requests this formality it needs to be personally executed by the applicant or his/her representative.
Finally, the Notary services provided by the Consulate are subject only to the Consular fees provided by law.
Foreign citizens, or Italian citizens who cannot come to the Consulate or do not wish to use Consular notary services, can execute the deed with a US Public Notary (see list) and complete the deed with an Apostille issued by the Office of the Secretary of State of the state where the document has been notarized.
The Legal Department of this Consulate General, for the issuance of the legal documents mentioned in the first paragraph above, receives by appointment only to be schedule by email at the address notarile.losangeles@esteri.it. In the email, please furnish the information required for each service as listed in the specific sections.
General information and appointments can also be requested in person, during normal business hours, giving priority to the appointments already scheduled.