Ecco il mio documento d'identità.

Here is my identity document.

Pronunciation

i-den-ti-TÀ — four syllables, stress on the last syllable. The accent mark indicates stress.

When to use it

When handing over your passport or ID card at check-in. Hotels will photocopy or scan it and return it to you.

What it means

'Ecco' is a useful Italian word meaning 'here is/are' — it is used when presenting something. 'Documento d'identità' is the umbrella term for any official ID. The apostrophe in 'd'identità' is an elision where 'di' loses its final vowel before a word starting with a vowel.

Variations

Ecco il mio passaporto.

Here is my passport.

Most common for non-EU travelers checking into Italian hotels

Ho solo la patente. Va bene?

I only have my driving licence. Is that okay?

EU driving licences are accepted as ID in Italy

Quando mi restituisce il documento?

When will you return my document?

Ask if they seem to be keeping it for a long time

Mini Dialogue

— Mi serve un documento d'identità. — Certo, ecco il mio passaporto. — Grazie. Glielo restituisco subito dopo la fotocopia. — Nessun problema.

— I need an identity document. — Of course, here is my passport. — Thank you. I will return it to you right after the photocopy. — No problem.

Cultural Note

Under Italian law (Testo Unico delle Leggi di Pubblica Sicurezza), hotels must send guest data to local police within 24 hours of arrival. This is why document collection is mandatory — the hotel staff are complying with national law, not being intrusive.

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