You need a revenue stamp.
MAR-ka da BOL-lo — both words stress the first syllable; double 'l' in bollo gives a crisp sound.
Use this when an official document or application requires a revenue stamp. The standard marca da bollo costs €16 and is required on many Italian official documents — rental contracts, civil status applications, powers of attorney, and more.
The marca da bollo is a government revenue stamp that must be affixed to many Italian official documents to give them legal validity. The standard value is €16 (from 2013). It is purchased at tabaccherie (tobacconists) or post offices. Failure to attach it where required makes a document legally defective.
Dove compro la marca da bollo?
Where do I buy the revenue stamp?
At any tabaccheria (tobacconist) — one of Italy's most useful local shops for bureaucratic needs.
Il modulo richiede una marca da bollo da 16 euro.
The form requires a €16 revenue stamp.
€16 is the standard value for most Italian official documents.
Alcune pratiche sono esenti da bollo.
Some procedures are exempt from stamp duty.
Social welfare and disability-related applications are often bollo-free.
The marca da bollo dates back to the Kingdom of Sardinia in the 18th century and has been a constant fixture of Italian bureaucracy ever since. Italy collects billions of euros annually through bollo revenue. The requirement is so pervasive that knowing when you need one — and when you do not — is a basic administrative skill for Italian residents.