carta d’identità

📘1. What it is Carta d’identità (CIE)

Carta d’identità is the official Italian identity document.

The modern version — CIE (Carta d’identità elettronica) — is a plastic smart card with an NFC chip, a photo, personal data, and biometric information (fingerprints are collected from age 12).


It is used for:

  • Proof of identity in all public and private offices (Comune, Questura, bank, post office, etc.);
  • Travel for Italian citizens within the EU/Schengen area and certain other countries (if the card is marked valida per l’espatrio);
  • Access to online public services (as an eID through the CIE ID app, equivalent to SPID).

For foreign residents in Italy, the CIE is issued as non valida per l’espatrio — valid only as an internal identification document, not for international travel.

⚖️ 2. Legal framework

  • T.U.L.P.S. and national regulations governing identity documents
  • D.P.R. 445/2000 — administrative documentation and self-certification rules
  • Ministero dell’Interno circulars — procedures for issuing the CIE, biometric data collection, and implementation of the electronic version
  • Regole tecniche CIE (Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato) — production, encryption, and delivery standards

👤 3. Who can obtain it

Italian citizens

  • Residents in Italy — through their Comune di residenza
  • Italians residing abroad (AIRE) — through Italian consulates

EU and non-EU citizens (foreign residents in Italy)

  • Can obtain a Carta d’identità “non valida per l’espatrio” from their Comune di residenza

Requirements:
A valid registration in the Anagrafe (resident registry) and a valid residence right (permesso di soggiorno for non-EU citizens).

📌 Important: without residenza in the Comune, it is not possible to apply for a Carta d’identità (except for Italians registered with AIRE through consulates).

🪪 4. Types of document

  • CIE (Carta d’identità elettronica) — the current standard. The chip contains personal data, photo, biometrics (12+), and certificates for eID access.
  • Paper version — issued only in exceptional cases (technical impossibility or urgent necessity officially recognized by the Comune). The electronic version is strongly recommended.

🏛️ 5. Where to apply and how to book

  • At your Comune di residenza (Ufficio Anagrafe / Servizi Demografici).
  • Most Comuni require an online appointment (prenotazione). Some offer a sportello veloce for emergencies (loss, theft, imminent travel).

📄 6. Required documents (by category)

A) Adult Italian citizens

  • Valid identity document / old card (for renewal)
  • Codice Fiscale (often requested)
  • Two photos (if not taken at the office) — ICAO standard 35×45 mm
  • In case of loss/theft: police report (denuncia)
  • For “valida per l’espatrio”: verification of any restrictions (guardianship, travel bans, etc.)

B) Italian minors

  • Child’s presence required
  • Consent of both parents/guardians (or court authorization)
  • Photo; fingerprints from age 12
  • For “espatrio”: specific parental consent form (provided by the Comune)

C) EU citizens residing in Italy

  • Valid passport or national ID of their country
  • Residenza registration in the Anagrafe
  • Photo; Codice Fiscale (often requested)
  • Issued as non valida per l’espatrio

D) Non-EU citizens residing in Italy

  • Passport
  • Valid Permesso di soggiorno
  • Residenza registration in the Anagrafe
  • Photo; Codice Fiscale (often requested)
  • Issued as non valida per l’espatrio

📌 Note: During first issuance, some Comuni verify or update your Anagrafe data (address, family status) and may request supporting documents (rental contract, stato di famiglia).

⏳ 7. Validity period

  • Age 18+: 10 years
  • Ages 3–18: 5 years
  • Under 3 years: 3 years
  • For non-EU citizens: validity cannot exceed the duration of the permesso di soggiorno or, at most, 10 years (depending on the Comune and the type of permit).
  • Address changes do not require replacement of the CIE — the Anagrafe automatically updates your residence records — but you may request an update if you wish.

💰 8. Cost and processing time

  • Includes the state manufacturing cost (printing by Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato) + a municipal fee, which varies by Comune.
  • Average total: €22–30.
  • The card is produced centrally and delivered by post (or collected at the Comune) usually within 6–8 working days.
  • In case of loss/theft, the duplicate costs the same; some Comuni may apply a small surcharge for urgent cases (depending on local regulations).

🔐 Biometrics, PIN/PUK, and digital services

  • Fingerprints are collected from age 12 (none for younger children).
  • During issuance, you receive a sealed envelope with PIN/PUK codes (first part provided by the Comune, second part delivered with the card).
  • To access online government services, use the CieID app on a smartphone with NFC or via a card reader.
  • CIE functions as an eID, equivalent to SPID. For many services, CIE alone is sufficient.

Here you can download the guide on how to register (activate) your CIE and use it to access government online services.

✈️ Travel with Carta d’identità

  • Only Italian citizens can be issued a CIE marked “valida per l’espatrio”, allowing travel within the EU/Schengen and certain other countries that recognize the Italian ID (the list is periodically updated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

For foreign nationals, the CIE is “non valida per l’espatrio” and does not substitute a passport.

🔁 Replacement, loss, theft, or damage

  • Reasons for replacement:
  • Expiry;
    Change in personal data (name, surname, gender);
  • Significant damage;
  • Loss or theft.

Procedure in case of loss/theft:

  1. File a denuncia with the police or Carabinieri.
  2. Book an appointment at your Comune with the report and your documents.
  3. Submit a request for a duplicate and pay the fee.

📌 Changing your address does not require a new CIE (see section above).

Useful links

  • immigrazione.interno.gov.it
  • https://www.interno.gov.it/it
  • questure.poliziadistato.it
  • App CieID (Android/iOS) — офіційний застосунок для входу з CIE

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️) Can I get a CIE without residenza?

❌ No, except for Italians registered with AIRE (through consulates).

2️) How long does it take to issue the card?

Usually 6–8 working days, though it may vary depending on workload and delivery times.

3️) Do I need to renew CIE if I change my address?

❌ No. The address is not printed on the card; updates are automatically recorded in the Anagrafe.

4️) Can foreign citizens obtain a CIE?

✅ Yes. Residents (EU and non-EU) can obtain a CIE “non valida per l’espatrio” if they have residenza (and a valid permesso for non-EU nationals).

5️) Can I use the CIE to create a SPID?

✅ Yes. However, CIE itself already functions as an eID (via the CieID app). SPID is simply an alternative method.

6️) What is the validity period for children?

👶 Up to 3 years of age — 3 years; from 3 to 18 — 5 years.

For non-EU citizens — no longer than the validity of their permesso di soggiorno.

7️) What if I urgently need an ID?

⚡ Ask the Comune about emergency cases. A paper card may be issued only if electronic issuance is impossible and urgency is documented.

8️) Can foreigners travel with the CIE?

❌ No. For non-Italians, it is non valida per l’espatrio.

9️) How do I activate the CIE for online access?

📲 Retrieve your PIN/PUK, install the CieID app, and use a smartphone with NFC or a card reader.

10) Does the CIE number change when reissued?

✅ Yes, the card number changes — but personal data do not. For eID services, re-link the new card to your online profiles.

We’ve prepared a detailed PDF Guide for you — covering all the steps and procedures for obtaining a Carta d’identità.

Download and use it as a ready-to-go manual!

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