Starting August 3, 2026, the traditional paper Italian identity card (Carta d’Identità Cartacea) will no longer be valid, regardless of the expiration date printed on the document. From that date onward, only the Electronic Identity Card (Carta d’Identità Elettronica – CIE) will be accepted as a valid identification document in Italy.
This change follows EU Regulation 2019/1157, which requires all identity documents to include a machine-readable zone (MRZ) – a feature that paper ID cards lack.
Why the paper Italian ID Card will no longer be valid
The Italian Ministry of the Interior, through Circular No. 76/2025 issued by the Central Directorate for Demographic Services, officially confirmed the deadline of August 3, 2026 for the phase-out of all non-electronic ID cards.
Even if your paper ID card shows an expiration date after August 2026, it will still become automatically invalid on that date.
How many Electronic ID Cards have been issued so far?
According to estimates reported by Login and informed sources, as of December 31, 2025, more than 57 million electronic ID cards (CIE) have been issued. As of December 31, 2024, Italy’s resident population stood at 58,943,464 individuals (ISTAT data).
However, these figures do not distinguish between:
- First-time requests
- Renewals
- Cards issued to Italians living abroad
For this reason, it is difficult to determine exactly how many paper ID cards still need to be replaced. That said, issuance rates have been steadily increasing, and current data suggests that Italy is on track to meet the August 2026 deadline.
When and how to apply for the Electronic ID Card (CIE)
If you still hold a paper ID card, you can apply for the electronic version:
- Up to 180 days before the expiration of your current document
- Or at any time, in preparation for the August 2026 deadline
Where to apply
You must submit your request at the municipality (Comune) where you are:
- Resident, or
- Legally domiciled
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Booking the appointment
In most cases, appointments must be booked through the official Ministry of the Interior online portal. You will be required to:
- Enter your personal and anagraphic data
- Select the first available appointment at your Comune
However, not all municipalities use the national booking system, especially smaller towns. In some cases you may be redirected to a nearby larger municipality. The Comune may require booking by phone, in person, or even via video call.
For this reason, it is strongly recommended to consult the official website of your municipality to verify:
- Booking procedures
- Required documentation
- Costs
- Availability of the electronic ID service
Costs and processing time
The standard fee is €22.00, although it may vary slightly depending on the municipality
Required documents typically include:
- A valid photo ID (if available)
- A recent passport-style photograph
- Payment receipt
Once the application is completed, the CIE is usually delivered within 6 working days.
Special appointments and Open Days
Some municipalities organize extraordinary openings (Open Days) dedicated to CIE applications. For example, the City of Rome has scheduled special openings on January 10 and 11. Booking is still mandatory via the official system
Other municipalities, such as Lizzanello (LE), allow citizens to schedule appointments by phone, in person or via video conference.
Direct notifications from Municipalities
Certain cities, including Milan, have begun proactively contacting residents who still hold paper ID cards. Citizens may receive an email inviting them to confirm an appointment through the Fascicolo del Cittadino. Those without a digital profile may instead receive a physical letter with detailed instructions
What if your Municipality is not ready?
In some cases, municipal offices may not yet be fully operational for electronic ID bookings.
If you encounter difficulties, contact the municipal registry office directly by phone or visit the office in person to request assistance.
Currently, waiting times are generally reasonable, provided you apply in your municipality of residence.
Final recommendations
With the August 2026 deadline approaching, the key advice is simple:
Do not wait until the last minute.
Municipal systems may become overloaded as the deadline nears, especially in large cities.
If you still hold a paper Italian identity card, begin the transition to the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) as soon as possible to avoid delays, travel issues, or administrative complications.
