Version 1, October 5, 2026.
You can buy, sell or inherit in Italy without traveling, if you give a power of attorney (procura). The deed is still signed at the Studio in Naples, by the person you authorize.
A US notary public is not an Italian notary
In most states, a notary public witnesses your signature and checks your ID. An Italian notary drafts the deed, reads it aloud and is responsible for its legality. That is why a power of attorney for Italy needs more than a simple stamp.
Two routes in the US
If you are an Italian citizen, you can sign at the Italian Consulate: the document is in Italian and needs nothing else. Otherwise, you sign before a notary public, with a full notarial certificate.
After the notary public
The apostille is issued by the Secretary of State (or another designated office) of the state where the document was notarized. Some states first require certification by the county clerk. The document then needs a sworn translation into Italian.
No escrow, no title insurance as you know them
In Italy the notary checks the land registry, mortgages and liens before the closing (rogito). Building and zoning compliance is checked by a surveyor or architect. The notary is impartial: not your attorney.
Reciprocity
For US citizens who do not live in Italy, the notary checks reciprocity on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs table before the closing date is set.
What to do next
Tell us your citizenship and the state where you will sign. Wait for our draft before you go to a notary public. The most common questions are answered on Living abroad and need a notary in Italy? The 15 most common questions.
Sources
- Hague Conference, US competent authorities for apostilles
- California Secretary of State, apostille FAQs (example of a state office)
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reciprocity country list
- Law No. 89 of 16 February 1913, art. 55 (interpreter), Normattiva
Contact
Studio Notarile Marco Fiorentino, Viale Antonio Gramsci 19, 80122 Naples, Italy. Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm (Italian time). Phone +39 352 273 7467 · segreteria@notaiofiorentinomarco.com · appointment calendar.
General information, the same for everyone: it does not replace a review of the documents in your case.