I have contacted a professional genealogist in Italy to trace my family. He recently sent me a letter advising that due to privacy laws in Italy, I would need to fill out some paper work he sent stating that I am indeed the granddaughter of the people I am trying to find out about and I need to provide some form of identification such as copy of passport, a drivers license or ss#. Can anyone tell me if Italian law requires such identification in order for a professional genealogist to obtain information regarding deceased ancestors? Thank you.

Hi pettyson and Welcome to Gente. Also, congrats as you are our 1000th member!

As for your question, YES, you need to provide some ID and sign a letter that the genealogist is acting on your behalf. I have had to do this when Riccardo (member Ricbru) has acted on my behalf. If this is a professional genealogist that you have hired then you have nothing to worry about. They are VERY careful with your ID as are the people in the Comuni in Italy. I have never had any problems.

I hope this helps.

I concur with Nuccia. I have had to send a copy of my driver's license when asking for information from various towns in Italy. I would just provide your genealogist with a license or a passport because your ss# is like the keys to the kingdom in the world of i.d. theft.

Poipu04 wrote:

I would just provide your genealogist with a license or a passport because your ss# is like the keys to the kingdom in the world of i.d. theft.

Good point. I have always just used my Driver's License.