Italian Criminal Record Certificate vs. Pending Criminal Proceedings: what is the difference?

People who need Italian paperwork often meet two names that sound alike: Casellario Giudiziale and Carichi Pendenti. Both relate to a person’s judicial situation, but they are not the same certificate and they do not necessarily serve the same purpose.

This guide explains, with due caution, what each certificate attests, how they differ, and what to check before you apply. It does not replace the Italian Ministry of Justice or the competent Procura. For the practical request — forms, personal data, timelines — see our guide on how to request the casellario giudiziale.

What is the Certificato del Casellario Giudiziale

The Italian Criminal Record Certificate (Certificato del Casellario Giudiziale) is the document issued to the person concerned by the local casellario office at each Procura della Repubblica. According to the Italian Ministry of Justice, it contains information on measures in criminal, civil and administrative matters: among them, final criminal convictions and those relating to the enforcement of sentences, as well as measures affecting a person’s legal capacity (for example interdizione, inabilitazione, amministrazione di sostegno), plus other inscriptions provided for by law.

Since 26 October 2019 the certificate combines the former criminal and civil certificates. For an Italian citizen it also states whether there are inscriptions in the European criminal record register.

It is not a judgement of someone’s “character”, nor an automatic match for every foreign “police certificate”. It is an official act that reports, under Presidential Decree 313/2002, the inscriptions the law provides for — or their absence — at the time of issue.

• It may be requested by the person concerned or by someone they authorise, with a valid ID.
• The application is filed at the Procura, by post (with a copy of the ID) or, at many offices, with an online booking on the Justice portal.
• The Ministry states that the certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

What is the Certificato dei Carichi Pendenti

The Certificate of Pending Criminal Proceedings (Certificato dei Carichi Pendenti) is a separate act. The Ministry of Justice explains that it allows knowledge of criminal proceedings still pending against a person and any related appeal proceedings.

In this context, carichi pendenti does not mean “criminal record”. It points to proceedings not yet concluded: someone may appear on a Carichi Pendenti certificate without a final conviction, and may have a Casellario with no relevant inscriptions while a case is still open.

Until a national register of pending proceedings is activated, the certificate is as a rule issued by the Procura della Repubblica at the court with jurisdiction over the place of residence. It reports proceedings pending at that office and those ongoing at the antimafia district prosecutors’ offices (DDA) of which it has been notified. If you apply to a Procura other than that of residence, the certificate usually reports only the proceedings pending at that court.

Casellario Giudiziale vs Carichi Pendenti

The core difference is this: the Casellario, in the framework described by the Ministry, concerns measures (in particular final convictions and other legal inscriptions). Carichi Pendenti concern criminal proceedings that are still pending and any appeals.

Needing a Casellario certificate and needing Carichi Pendenti — or the other way round — are two different questions. One does not copy the other.

Which one do I need?

Citizenship, immigration, work, residence, adoption, a court or administrative procedure, or filing the document in another country: none of these purposes automatically requires one certificate rather than the other. The receiving body may ask only for the Casellario, only for Carichi Pendenti, for both, or for another type (for example the European casellario, where provided).

Before you apply, check exactly which certificate the receiving authority requires. If the letter or notice uses a generic term (“criminal record”, “police certificate”), ask them to name the Italian act.

Can I request both?

Yes: some procedures ask for documentation both on casellario inscriptions and on proceedings still open. That does not mean you should always order both. If the authority names only one, ordering the other “just in case” can cost time and stamp duty without completing the file.

If you are building a file for use abroad, also plan apostille or legalisation and, if needed, a sworn translation. ItaloDocs can assist with requesting casellario and carichi pendenti: the certificates are always issued by the competent authority, not by a private agency.

Do they need to be translated?

If the certificate is filed in Italy with a body that reads Italian, translation usually does not arise. If it is filed in another country, a translation into the language the authority requires may be needed.

Whether the recipient accepts a translation without asseverazione or requires a sworn / asseverata translation is for them to decide, not a single rule. Not every Casellario or Carichi Pendenti certificate needs a sworn translation. Check what the receiving authority asks for before you translate. ItaloDocs prepares only [sworn translations](/servizi/traduzione-giurata) when the procedure requires them.

Do they need an apostille?

When an Italian public act must take effect abroad, apostille or consular legalisation may be required, depending on the country and the use. It is not true that these certificates always need an apostille.

Read the documentary chain backwards from who will use the paper (original, apostille or legalisation, translation). Our guide to apostille and legalization explains how the two institutes differ.

Can I apply from abroad?

For both certificates the Ministry provides that the person concerned may send the application by post with a copy of their ID, or through a delegate. Practical details (hours, collection, online booking) depend on the office: confirm them on the Procura or local casellario page.

Not every Procura organises the service in the same way, and Carichi Pendenti requested from an office other than that of residence may be partial. From abroad it is worth clarifying territorial competence and collection before posting the application. If you need organisational support, you can request a quote stating the destination country and the type of certificate.

Common mistakes

• Treating the two certificates as the same thing, or as synonyms of “criminal record”.
• Ordering the wrong act compared with what the authority named.
• Assuming one replaces the other.
• Translating or apostilling before knowing what the recipient requires.
• Not checking who will receive the document and in which country.
• Relying on outdated information on fees, exemptions or payment methods.
• For Carichi Pendenti, ignoring the Procura of residence and the scope of the certificate.
• Filing the certificate with the Italian public administration instead of a self-declaration, where the law so provides (art. 40 Presidential Decree 445/2000).

Frequently asked questions

Are the Casellario Giudiziale and Carichi Pendenti the same?

No. They are two distinct certificates, with different contents and different issuing offices.

What is the difference between Casellario Giudiziale and Carichi Pendenti?

The Casellario reports, under the law, inscriptions relating to measures (including final convictions and other provided items). Carichi Pendenti concern criminal proceedings still pending and any appeals.

What does the Casellario Giudiziale contain?

Information on criminal, civil and administrative measures provided for in the consolidated casellario rules. For Italian citizens, also the European casellario attestation. The Ministry factsheet has the detail.

What are Carichi Pendenti?

Pending criminal proceedings against a person, including any appeals. They are not the same as the “record” shown on the Casellario.

Do I need to request both certificates?

Only if the receiving authority asks for both. It is not a general rule.

Does the Casellario Giudiziale need a translation?

It depends on where you file it and what the recipient asks. In Italy often not; abroad a translation may be needed, sworn or not according to the case.

Do Carichi Pendenti need an apostille?

Not always. Apostille or legalisation depend on the country and the use of the document.

Can I request these certificates from abroad?

The Ministry allows an application by post or through a delegate. Hours, collection and completeness (especially of Carichi Pendenti) depend on the Procura: check the competent office.

Conclusion

Casellario Giudiziale and Carichi Pendenti answer two different questions about a judicial situation. Before you spend time on the application, it is worth knowing which act is required, who will receive it, and whether translation or legalisation is needed.

If you need help to request or translate Italian documents, ItaloDocs can help you frame the file and request a quote.