Paper Italian ID Card Will Become Invalid from 3 August 2026:

What It Means and What You Need to Do

Paper Italian ID Card Will Become Invalid from 3 August 2026: What It Means and What You Need to Do

Starting from 3 August 2026, the paper version of the Italian identity card (carta d’identità cartacea) will no longer be valid, even if the document shows a later expiration date.

This change is due to the introduction of European security standards for identity documents.

⚠️ Important: after this date, the paper ID cannot be used for identification in Italy nor for travel.

What exactly is changing

  • From 03/08/2026, all paper Italian ID cards become invalid
  • The printed expiration date will no longer matter
  • Even if your card says it is valid until 2027 or 2028,
    it will stop being accepted from August 2026

In short: all paper identity cards automatically lose validity.

Why paper ID cards are being phased out

The paper version of the carta d’identità:

  • does not meet modern security standards;
  • has no electronic chip;
  • lacks a machine-readable zone;
  • is easier to falsify.

European regulations require identity documents to be electronic and biometric, in order to:

  • reduce fraud;
  • improve identity checks;
  • standardize documents across EU countries.

Who is affected

👤 Italian citizens

If you still have a paper identity card, you must replace it with the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) before 3 August 2026.

👤 Non-EU citizens

Yes, this also applies to you.

The carta d’identità is a valid identification document within Italy.
If it is issued in paper format, it must be replaced with the electronic version (CIE).

📌 Travel rules depend on nationality,
but the key point here is the loss of validity of the paper document itself.

What to do if you still have a paper ID card

1️⃣ Book an appointment for the CIE

You must book an appointment at the registry office (ufficio anagrafe) of your Comune.

⚠️ In many cities:

  • appointments are booked months in advance;
  • availability is even more limited during summer.

👉 That’s why it’s best not to wait until 2026.

2️⃣ Apply for the Electronic Identity Card (CIE)

At the appointment, you usually need:

  • your current identity document (even if paper);
  • a photo (or it may be taken on site);
  • codice fiscale;
  • proof of residence;
  • payment of the administrative fee.

3️⃣ Receive your Electronic ID card

The CIE:

  • is not issued immediately
  • is produced centrally
  • is delivered by post or to the Comune in about 6 working days

Some municipalities may issue a temporary receipt, valid only within Italy.

Travel and identification after August 2026

From 3 August 2026:

  • the paper ID card will no longer be accepted for travel
  • you will need a CIE or a passport

This is especially important for:

  • students;
  • workers;
  • families travelling within the EU.

Why you should not wait until the last minute

✔️ Heavy demand is expected in 2026
✔️ Appointments may be fully booked
✔️ Without a valid ID, you may face:

administrative delays.

identification issues;

travel problems;