Italian electronic identity card (CIE)
How to apply or renew, prepare the required documents and use the CIE to access supported online services.
Important information
Percorso Cittadino helps you understand Italian administrative procedures but does not replace public authorities. Before submitting applications or making decisions, always verify the official institutional links provided on this page.
What the CIE is
The Electronic Identity Card is a physical identity document issued by the Italian State. When the card states that it is valid for travel, it may also be used to enter countries that recognize it.
The CIE also includes a digital identity for accessing services that display “Entra con CIE”. A service does not necessarily accept both CIE and SPID, so always check the authentication methods shown by the individual website.
When to apply or renew
First card or paper identity card
You can apply for your first CIE or replace a paper identity card even before the paper card expires.
Renewal
The ordinary procedure may begin within 180 days before expiry. Check booking and local arrangements with the Municipality.
Loss or theft
After reporting the incident to the authorities, you can submit the report and apply for a new card at a Municipality.
Damaged card
If the card is damaged or unreadable, take it to the Municipality when requesting a replacement.
How long the card is valid
Children under 3
The card lasts approximately 3 years and expires on the first birthday following the relevant period.
From 3 to 18
The card lasts approximately 5 years, with the expiry date calculated according to the birthday rule.
Adults
Maximum validity is 10 years. The actual date reflects both the application date and the cardholder’s birthday.
Fingerprints temporarily unavailable
In the officially recognized cases where fingerprints cannot temporarily be taken, the CIE is valid for 12 months from issue.
These periods do not by themselves establish the exact date. Always check the expiry date printed on the card.
Where to apply
The official CIE portal states that you may apply at any Municipality. Booking, availability, payment and local procedures may nevertheless vary.
Before attending, consult the chosen Municipality’s website or contact its office to confirm documents, instructions and timing.
Documents and information to prepare
The Municipality may require additional documents for your situation. Always check its local instructions.
How the application works
Cost and delivery in Italy
Base amount
Issuance costs €16.79, plus any fixed and administrative fees charged by the Municipality.
Delivery
The official portal normally states six working days from the application, with delivery to the stated address or collection according to the arrangement selected.
Check the total cost
€16.79 is not a universal total. Municipal fees, payment methods and delivery arrangements may vary. Always check the information published by the Municipality you have chosen.
PIN, PUK and the CieID app
How you receive the codes
The first half of the PIN and PUK appears on the application receipt. The second half is in the letter delivered with the CIE.
What the codes do
The PIN enables digital access. The PUK allows you to unblock the PIN or set a new one if it is forgotten or blocked.
If you provided an email address or mobile number when applying, you may recover the PUK through the CieID app under the official conditions. If those contact details are unavailable, contact a Municipality to update them and request help with the codes.
Protect the card and its codes
Do not share your PIN or PUK, publish photographs of them or keep them together with the card. Use only the official CieID app and channels listed by the Italian Ministry of the Interior.
Accessing online services
Check that the service displays “Entra con CIE” and follow its instructions. Depending on the access level and method, you may need the CieID app, an NFC-enabled smartphone, the card and its codes.
Some services also accept SPID. Where the website offers it, consult the SPID guide to understand this possible alternative.
CIE and SPID: the difference
CIE
A physical document and digital identity issued by the Italian State. It accesses services displaying “Entra con CIE”.
SPID
A digital identity supplied through accredited providers. Read the SPID guide for requirements and activation.
Many services may accept both, but CIE and SPID are not automatically interchangeable. Check the options offered by the service you intend to use.
Loss, theft or damage
If the card is lost or stolen, report it to the authorities, submit the report to a Municipality and apply for a new CIE. Take a damaged card to the office when requesting its replacement.
If the incident happens abroad, follow the instructions of the competent Italian consulate or embassy. Do not rely on blocking procedures or contacts not listed by official sources.
Italian residents abroad
A consular CIE is available to Italian citizens correctly registered with AIRE and the competent consular district, with a verified tax code and personal records. Booking, documents and payment depend on the relevant consular office.
Consular fees published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
€21.95 for a first card or renewal and €27.11 for a duplicate. Each office specifies its local payment arrangements.
International delivery
The card is posted to the address provided. Delivery takes longer and varies according to the destination country.
Since 1 June 2026, AIRE-registered citizens may also apply at any Italian Municipality under DAIT Circular 54/2026. Always check the competent consulate’s website or the chosen Municipality before booking.
Paper identity cards from 3 August 2026
From 3 August 2026, a paper identity card does not retain the ordinary general validity applicable to documents that comply with the European regulation. Do not treat it as valid for travel after that date.
Article 11 of Decree-Law 108/2026 is currently in force but still undergoing conversion into law. It provides limited exceptions. If a paper card identified the parties to a contract concluded by 3 August 2026, it may remain valid until its printed expiry date only for that contractual relationship.
Until 31 January 2027, while waiting for a CIE, an unexpired paper card may be used only for the specific purposes stated in the decree, including certain dealings with public authorities, public services, benefit providers and postal or financial operators.
These exceptions do not restore general validity or automatic validity for travel. Because the decree is still undergoing conversion, recheck the Italian Official Gazette and the Municipality’s instructions before relying on or replacing a paper card.
Goal of this guide
At the end of this guide, you should understand how to prepare for a CIE application, keep the card, receipt, PIN and PUK secure, and activate digital access only through official tools and sources.