Appointment guide
You got the appointment.
Here's what happens.
You waited weeks or months for this slot. You don’t want to show up with the wrong document or the wrong payment format.
Updated: April 2026 • Verified on consulate websites
Before you leave the house
Prenot@Mi confirmation
Print it or save on your phone. Some consulates check it at the door.
Passport-size photos
35×45 mm, white background. NOT the US 2×2 inch size (51×51 mm). US pharmacies print the wrong size by default. Ask for 35×45 mm or go to a specialist.
Payment ready
Every consulate accepts different methods. NY takes money orders only. Chicago takes cash. DC takes debit cards but only 1st–25th. Check your consulate before leaving.
Originals + photocopies
Bring originals AND photocopies of everything. The consulate keeps the copies and inspects the originals. Missing a copy means stepping out to find a printer.
Prepaid return envelope
For passports: prepaid USPS Priority Mail envelope with tracking. The consulate won’t mail without one.
Payment methods by consulate
The detail that ruins the most appointments. Every consulate has its own rules.
New York
Money order onlyPayable to “Consolato Generale d’Italia di New York.” No cash, no cards.
Los Angeles
Money order or cashier’s checkCash only in exceptional cases.
Washington DC
Check, money order OR debit cardDebit card only 1st–25th of month. Higher ($140.30 vs $135.20).
Chicago
Cash or money orderMoney orders: USPS, Chase, CVS, Walgreens. Passport fee: €116.20 (≈$135.20 Q1 2026).
When you arrive
Security
Major consulates have metal detectors. Bring photo ID. Some ask you to leave your phone. Arrive 15 minutes early.
Waiting room
Take a number or check in with your confirmation. Wait can be 15–45 minutes even with an appointment.
At the counter
The officer reviews documents one by one. For citizenship, they check the entire chain. For passports: identity, fingerprints (12+), payment.
Sign and leave
Sign the forms. Biometrics captured on site. They tell you when to expect delivery.
Mistakes we see often
Wrong photo size
US pharmacies: 2×2 inches. You need 35×45 mm.
AIRE not updated
Moved without updating FAST-IT? Consulate can refuse.
One parent for a minor
Both parents needed or atto di assenso. Non-EU parent: notarised signature.
Personal check at NY
NY takes money orders only. Personal check = wasted appointment.
No return envelope
Prepaid USPS Priority Mail with tracking. Required.
Expired criminal record
For citizenship: ~6 month validity. Request as late as possible.
How it differs by service
Passport
15–30 minIdentity check, fingerprints (12+), biometric photo, payment, sign. Arrives by mail in a few days.
CIE
20–30 minSimilar to passport. The CIE is produced in Rome and mailed to your AIRE address in 4–8 weeks.
Citizenship (submission)
30–60 minThe officer reviews every document in the chain. No partial submissions. If everything checks out, it enters processing.
Citizenship (oath)
10–15 minYou read a declaration in Italian. The officer guides you. You sign. Then AIRE and passport.
Common questions
Can I reschedule if I can’t make it?
Depends on the consulate. Most allow one reschedule through Prenot@Mi. No-shows may need to restart from scratch.
Do I need to speak Italian?
No. Staff speak English. For the citizenship oath you’ll read a short declaration in Italian, but the officer guides you.
Can I bring someone with me?
For minor passports, both parents must be present. For other services, you can bring a companion but only the appointment holder interacts with the officer.
How long does it take?
Passport: 15–30 min. CIE: 20–30 min. Citizenship: 30–60 min. Expect 15–45 min wait even with an appointment.
Sources
- consnewyork.esteri.it
- conslosangeles.esteri.it
- ambwashingtondc.esteri.it
- conschicago.esteri.it
- EU Regulation 2252/2004 \u2014 ICAO 9303
Requirements vary by consulate and can change. Verify on your consulate’s website before the appointment.