What is it and what is its purpose
The Electronic Identity Card (CIE) is the identity document of the Italian citizens issued by the Ministry of the Interior and produced by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato. Thanks to its highly advanced security and anti-counterfeiting features, it grants the holder’s identity verification and the access to online services of Public Administrations both in Italy and in EU countries (see the list).
Besides establishing the holder’s identity, the CIE is also equipped with an electronic component which adopts the most advanced technologies available and thus represents the digital identity of citizens.
In compliance with the EU legislation, the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) allows citizens for an easy and quick access to online services offered by the adhering providers through 3 authentication levels of increasing security:
- level 1: access with a pair of credentials (username and password);
- level 2: access with level 1 credentials and a temporary OTP code;
- level 3: a reader or an NFC-enabled smartphone to read the CIE is requested.
Find out more on level 1, level 2 and level 3.
Who can apply
All Italian citizens can apply at any moment for an Electronic Identity Card in case of:
- possession of a paper-based identity document;
- theft, loss or deterioration of one’s identity document;
- possession of an Electronic Identity Card of first or second generation (issued before August 2016).
Citizens who already hold an Electronic Identity Card can apply for a new document on the scheduled expiry date of the card.
How to apply
It is possible to apply for an Electronic Identity Card at one’s Municipality of residence or domicile or, in the case of Italian citizens residing abroad, at the competent Consulate.
Find out more in the “Request” section.
Validity and costs
The CIE validity period varies according to the ID card holder’s age:
- 3 years for minors up to the age of 3;
- 5 years for minors aged between 3 and 18;
- 10 years for everyone else.
The CIE has a fixed cost of 16.79 euros. In some Municipalities this cost might increase due to administrative charges and fixed fees.
Validity
The CIE validity period depends on the ID card owner’s age: 3 years for minors up to the age of 3; 5 years for minors aged between 3 and 18; 10 years for adults over the age of 18.
The CIE has a fixed cost of €16.79. There may be higher costs in some municipalities that charge specific secretarial costs and fixed fees.
For further information on how to request the Electronic Identity Card, you can consult the section of the site dedicated to the request to the municipality.