Applying for an Italian passport should be straightforward, but sometimes unexpected hurdles arise. For example, the authority refused to issue a passport for many reasons. This article will explain common reasons for refusal to issue a passport and offers solutions to address these issues. Whether you’re preparing for the application or depressed by rejection, here’s what you need to know to navigate a smooth process.
Reasons for Preventing from Applying for a Passport
Generally, all Italian citizens can obtain an Italian passport despite their age. However, Italian authorities may deny your passport application due to legal, administrative, or security-related factors. Here are some common examples.
Lack of consent
According to Italian law, minor applicants under parental authority must present consent from both parents or legal guardians. Otherwise, they will be unable to apply for a passport. If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must provide authorization. The person who has no custody and plans to take his/her child (under the age of 18) abroad without the custodial parent’s consent will also not be granted a passport. Moreover, adults under legal guardianship, for example, mentally incapacitated persons, should also provide parental consent. Without proper consent, the application is rejected.
Criminal offenses
People with unserved sentences (i.e. prison sentences, house arrests, or alternative detention measures), unpaid judicial fines, limited freedom to travel, etc. cannot apply for a passport. Please note that only current penalties or pending payments matter while past convictions that are already served do not block passport issuance. For example, if you’re fined €5,000 for a traffic violation and haven’t paid, your passport request will be denied until the debt is settled.
Tax debts
Those with significant unpaid taxes or social security contributions, like debts exceeding €10,000, are very likely to be prevented from applying for a passport. It is suggested to check your tax status with the taxation department before submitting an application.
Incomplete requests or missing documents
Applicants must provide authentic and updated information and supporting documents to apply for a passport. Any discrepancy will disqualify your application. To avoid making these mistakes, please prepare all the official required document checklists for Italian passport application in advance.
Judicial orders
The court poses travel bans on individuals with ongoing trials, custody disputes, national security concerns, or preventive measures. It means they must not apply for a passport to travel abroad or must hand in the current travel document. For example, a witness in a high-profile case may be banned from leaving Italy until testimony is complete.
Child support payment arrears
Parents are obliged to raise children. Those who are evading payments to support their children will be banned from passport applications.
Terrorism concerns
Based on national security laws, the authority will flag your application if you are considered to be involved in or intend to participate in terrorist activities.
Conditional probation
A suspended sentence with compensation to the victim of the crime is an obstacle to passport issuance. Individuals must not apply for a passport until they fully pay the compensation. However, those who are sentenced to probation without compensation or penalties for damage might not be refused.
Reasons for Refusal to Issue a Passport – What Does It Mean
The question “Are you aware of any reasons that prevent the issuing of the passport?” appears on the passport application form. It means whether you personally know any reasons for passport refusal, such as unpaid fines, active sentences, insufficient documentation, wrong information, and so on. Misinterpreting the question might cause misunderstanding and lead to rejection.
As for how to answer the question, you should answer “Yes” if any of the situations stated in the last section apply to you. Answer “No” if none of them describes your situation at the time of application.
What to Do If your Passport is Refused?
On the condition that you are refused to get a passport or your current valid passport is suspended, you should follow the steps below to find out what happens and how to fix it
- Verify the reasons for passport refusal
The authority usually sends a formal notice to inform you of why you are rejected and what to do next. If not, you should ask for a written explanation from the passport office by phone or by email.
- Resolve Legal Issues
You have to take corresponding actions to settle the issue. For example, if you have unpaid fines, contact the court’s debt recovery office and pay for them. If there is anything wrong with the documentation, correct it and try again. If you have pending sentences, serve them and obtain a criminal record certificate.
- File an appeal or reapply
In some cases, you can appeal the decision of rejection and request a review. Please file it before the deadline stated in the notice and provide complementary paperwork to prove that you have settled the issues, such as proof of fine payments, court orders lifting travel bans, notarized parental consent for minors, etc. To increase the chance of getting approval, it is also recommended to consult an immigration lawyer and ask for professional advice if you are not sure about your application.
What Documents to Present for Passport Issuance
Applicants must submit a set of documents to prove their citizenship, identity, and eligibility for an Italian passport, including:
- A duly accomplished passport application form: Available at the local police headquarters or at the nearest Italian consulate abroad.
- A valid identity document: Including an old passport, driver’s license, ID card, birth certificate, etc..
- Two recent photographs: comply with the ICAO Photo Guidelines and present the applicant’s true appearance.
- Proof of payment for the application fee: such as a money order or record of bank transfer.
- Parental consent: required for children under the age of 18.
- Any other necessary supporting documents, such as a police report for lost/stolen passport, No Criminal Record, payment receipt for fines, etc.
Get Approved Photo for Italian Passport Online
Unqualified passport photos are one of the common mistakes that result in delay or refusal. Therefore, it is important to learn about what a compliant picture looks like. In Italy, photos for passports and identity cards must satisfy the ICAO rules, including a size of 35 × 45 mm (width x height), a white and clean background, uniform lighting, colored and clear picture, a neutral expression with fully visible eyes and closed mouth, and centered head.
The requirements might seem complicated. The good news is that you can now create compliant passport photos online for free with an AI tool like AiPassportPhotos. All you need is to do as follows to get a 100% approved passport-style photo.
- Take a few clear head-and-shoulder pictures with a smartphone or digital camera.
- Choose the best one and upload it to the AiPassportPhotos website.
- Wait for a few seconds while the tool is automatically scanning photo compliance (face visibility, lighting, photo quality, etc.), adjusting it to the required size, and replacing unsuitable backgrounds.
- Preview the edited picture and download it. Supposing that you will apply by paper, just request a printable template and print it out at a stationery store or photo booth at minimum cost.
FAQ
Can someone who has debts with Equitalia have a passport?
It depends on the amount of the debts. Smaller debts won’t block issuance unless it exceeds €10,000, but you are still advised to pay for it promptly to avoid any possible issues.
What to answer to the reasons for refusing to issue a passport?
If you have no active penalties or unpaid fines, answer “NO”. If you’re currently restricted by law, answer “YES”.
How do I know if I can have a passport?
Check your criminal records, tax status, application form details, and documentation compliance before submission. Consult a lawyer if you are uncertain about your qualifications.
How to apply for an Italian passport with a criminal record?
You should first fully serve the sentence and/or pay the fines as an alternative to or supplement for the penalty of arrest at the debt collection office of the court. The debt collection office will inform the Police Headquarters of the payment to unblock passport issuance. It is suggested to do that with the company of a lawyer. Supposing that the monetary penalties have been applied and you are financially incapable of paying it, you might ask for monthly installments, special authorization of the judge, or conversion of the fine into supervised release. Please note that only when you fulfill all the installments or alternative obligations will you be able to obtain a passport.
Conclusion
Being rejected to obtain a passport is disappointing and even a waste of money as you might have to cancel an already booked trip. Understanding reasons for refusing to apply for a passport is necessary. Always double-check documents, resolve legal or financial obstacles, and answer the questions on the application form accurately. This article can help you avoid making similar mistakes and prepare sufficient evidence, for example, a qualified Italian passport photo. Wish you a successful application and a happy journey to explore the world.