I need to make an appointment at the office.
ap-pun-ta-MEN-to — stress the fourth syllable; double 'p' makes the consonant short and sharp.
Use this when booking an appointment with any public office — the questura, anagrafe, Agenzia delle Entrate, ASL (local health authority), or any government body. Most Italian public offices now require prior booking and do not accept walk-ins.
Italian public offices (uffici pubblici) have shifted from walk-in service to appointment-only systems, many of which are accessible online. Booking systems vary by office and municipality. For some offices — notably the questura for immigration matters — online slots disappear within seconds of becoming available.
Come si prenota online?
How do you book online?
Most Italian public offices have websites or apps for booking; asking is the first step.
Non ci sono appuntamenti disponibili.
There are no appointments available.
A very common and frustrating situation in Italian public administration.
Ho il mio appuntamento alle dieci di mattina.
I have my appointment at ten in the morning.
Confirming an existing appointment; useful before attending.
Italy's SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) digital identity system has transformed online access to public services. With a SPID account, citizens can book appointments, access tax records, apply for benefits, and sign documents electronically. SPID is now required for most online government services and is Italy's answer to the EU's eIDAS framework.