Welcome

The Honorary Consulate of Italy in Charleston is part of the consular network of the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, Florida.

Please note that the Honorary Consul serves pro bono and combines this role with professional work. We kindly request that you have reasonable expectations and carefully read the information on this website before requesting an appointment or contacting us.


Passports

To apply for or renew an Italian passport through the Honorary Consulate in Charleston, applicants must:

  • Be Italian citizens and registered with A.I.R.E. (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad) with an updated South Carolina address matching the Miami Consulate’s records.
  • Book an appointment online and bring all completed forms, photos, fees, and required documents to the appointment.
    This office cannot print or complete forms for applicants.

The appointment is used to collect fingerprints and photos, which are securely transmitted to the Consulate General in Miami for processing. Passport requests for minors under 12 must be sent directly by mail to Miami.

Finally, please make sure you have all forms printed and completed, along with passport photos, payment of the consular fee, and all required documentation as instructed by the Consulate General of Italy in Miami.


Visas

THE HONORARY COSULATE IN CHARLESTON DOES NOT PROCESS VISA APPLICATIONS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF U.S. STUDENT VISA

All visa applications, both for short stays and long stays, are handled exclusively by the Consulate General of Italy in Miami – Visa Office. The Honorary Consulate in Charleston may assist residents of South Carolina by verifying the applicant’s identity before mailing their completed application and passport to Miami for processing. Processing times vary and are determined solely by the Miami office. Please do not contact the Charleston office for status updates. To view the most up-to-date information, including student visa instructions, please visit the official website of the Consulate General. 


A.I.R.E. Registration

All Italian citizens living abroad for more than 12 months must register with A.I.R.E. through the Miami Consulate.
Registration and updates can be completed quickly and securely online via the FAST IT portal.
Being registered is required to access consular services, including passport renewal.


Vital Records

Events such as births, marriages, divorces, or deaths that occur abroad must be reported to the Consulate General in Miami, which transmits them to the relevant municipality in Italy.
The Charleston Honorary Consulate cannot assist with these registrations.


Pensions

The Charleston office does not handle pension matters, except for verifying the “Proof of Life” certificate [PDF] for pension recipients.
For assistance with pensions or social security, please contact INPS or a local Patronato office.
General information regarding pension benefits issued in Italy is also available on the website of the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, under the section “Pensions and Social Security.”


Notary Services

Notary services are not provided by the Honorary Consulate in Charleston.
For all notarizations, please contact the Notary Office of the Consulate General of Italy in Miami.

📧 notarile.miami@esteri.it


Contact Information

📍 By appointment only – no walk-ins.

📧 info.chs.onorario@gmail.com | charleston.onorario@esteri.it

📞 +1 (843) 984-8899 (leave a detailed message)

📞 Emergency only: +1 (843) 984-8896


Book an Appointment

When booking an appointment, please provide your full name, phone number, email address, and the type of service you are requesting.
Ensure your A.I.R.E. registration is up to date before booking any passport appointment.

Appointments can be scheduled through our Calendly page. Please visit the link below.


Useful Links

Citizenship – Consulate General of Italy in Miami
Provides information and procedures for acquiring or recognizing Italian citizenship. This is important for those who are entitled to Italian citizenship and wish to regularize their legal status.

Consular Fees – Consulate General of Italy in Miami
Fees change quarterly. Please follow the ling below and go to the fee section to have the most updated fee list for various consular services, such as passports, visas, and certificates. It helps citizens understand the costs involved before requesting services.

Forms – Consulate General of Italy in Miami
Includes all official forms required to request consular services. This section helps citizens prepare the necessary documentation before their appointment.

List of Registered Attorneys in South Carolina
Provides a list of attorneys authorized to practice in South Carolina. This is useful for Italian citizens who may need local legal assistance.

Patronato Acli USA
The Patronato offers support with social security, pensions, and welfare matters. It is helpful for residents in the United States who need assistance managing their rights and benefits related to Italy.