Italy Civil Registration: Difference between revisions

'''Learn how to use Italian civil registration records with a '''[https://www.familysearch.org/learn/researchcourses#italy_res '''new online class!''']  

== Introduction  ==

Civil registration records [''registri dello stato civile''] are an excellent source for accurate information on names as well as dates and places of births, marriages, and deaths. In addition, civil registration may include documents required for marriage, miscellaneous records (such as stillbirths), deaths occurring in other cities or countries, and legitimations or parental acknowledgments [''ricognizioni''].  

Because they cover most of the population and because they are usually indexed and mostly accessible, civil registration records are one of the most important sources for genealogical research in Italy.  

For birth, death, and marriage records before 1809 or 1820, see "[[Italy Church Records|Church Records]]".  

=== Napoleonic Records (1806–1815)   ===

'''Sicilia.''' The island of Sicilia began civil registration in 1820 using a format nearly identical to the Napoleonic records.  

Birth, marriage, and death records are the most important civil registration records for Italian research. Most of these records retained the basic format introduced by Napoleon in the early 1800s. The registers are divided into separate volumes for each year. Records kept in the south used standardized forms. Many records in the north are handwritten, although they contain basically the same information.  

'''Supporting documents''' '''[''processetti or allegati''].''' These documents were often filed by the bride and groom in support of their intent or "solemn promise" to marry. Records proving their births and their parents’ births and deaths and sometimes documentation on earlier generations may be included. The names of former spouses and their death dates are also provided.<br>  

You may find the following records that document the legal completion of the marriage.  

Historical states of the family [''stato di famiglia storico''] are kept at the provincial archive [ufficio dello stato civile]. These records document past generations of families. Not all areas have kept this record, but where they exist, they are a valuable research tool.  

Civil registration records were and are kept at the local registrar’s office [''anagrafe''] in each town or city. Therefore, you must determine the town where your ancestor lived before you can find the records. Your ancestor may have lived in a village that belonged to a nearby, larger town. Large cities may have many civil registration districts.  

In addition to the town, you need to know at least an approximate year in which the birth, marriage, or death occurred. Annual indexes are usually found in each town’s civil registration.  

Births, marriages, and deaths were written in the civil registration records as they occurred and thus are arranged chronologically. Where available, indexes can help you find your ancestor more easily.  

ITALY, TOSCANA - CIVIL REGISTRATION&nbsp; (Fill in the search boxes, "Toscana", part of "Italy")  

You may be able to find birth, marriage, and death records by contacting or visiting local civil registration offices or archives in Italy. To protect the rights of privacy of living persons, most modern records have restrictions on their use and access.  

If your request is unsuccessful, search for duplicate records that may have been filed in other archives or church registers.  

*[http://www.daddezio.com/ Italian Genealogy]