Paper Identity Cards Will Become Invalid on 3 August 2026 – Important Information for Italians Living Abroad

Italian authorities have announced that from 3 August 2026 the traditional paper identity card (Carta d’Identità Cartacea) will permanently lose its validity, regardless of the expiration date printed on the document.

This change affects all Italian citizens worldwide, including those living outside Italy and registered with the Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero (AIRE).

After this date, the only valid identity card issued by Italy will be the Carta di Identità Elettronica (CIE).

For many Italians living abroad who still possess the old paper document, this means it will need to be replaced before August 2026 to avoid identification problems.

What This Means for Italians Living Outside Italy

Italian citizens residing abroad often keep their paper identity card for many years because renewal procedures are less frequent than for residents in Italy.

However, once the deadline arrives:

• The paper identity card will no longer be valid

• It may not be accepted for identification

• It may not be usable for travel within Europe

For this reason, Italians abroad are encouraged to request the Carta di Identità Elettronica through their consulate.

How Italians Abroad Can Request the Electronic Identity Card

Citizens registered with Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero can apply for the Carta di Identità Elettronica at their Italian consulate or embassy.

The process generally includes:

1. Booking an appointment with the consulate

2. Providing identification documents and photographs

3. Paying the required administrative fee

4. Waiting for the card to be produced and delivered

The card is produced centrally in Italy and then sent to the applicant.

For official information on the application process, visit:

Official Guide: Request the Electronic Identity Card (CIE)

What Is the Electronic Identity Card (CIE)?

The Carta di Identità Elettronica is a secure plastic card equipped with a microchip and advanced security features.

Issued under the authority of the Italian Ministry of the Interior, it replaces the old paper identity card and serves multiple purposes.

The card can be used to:

• Prove identity in Italy and abroad

• Travel within many European countries

• Access Italian public administration online services

• Authenticate digital identity securely

Although the end of the paper identity card affects all citizens, some groups will be more impacted than others

Who Will Be Most Affected by This Change (And Why Migrants Should Not Ignore It)

While the end of the paper identity card affects all Italian citizens, some groups will feel the impact more than others, particularly those living outside Italy.

Italians Living Abroad

Citizens registered with the Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero (AIRE) are among those most affected. Many Italians abroad still hold the paper identity card issued years ago, often because they rely mainly on their passport and rarely renew the ID.

Once the deadline of 3 August 2026 arrives, that document will no longer be valid, which could create problems when:

• Identifying yourself in Italy during visits

• Completing administrative procedures with Italian authorities

• Accessing certain public services that require identification

Replacing the document with the Carta di Identità Elettronica ensures that your identity document remains recognized and compatible with modern digital services.

Migrants Who Recently Acquired Italian Citizenship

People who obtained Italian citizenship through naturalization or ancestry may not yet be familiar with the transition to the Carta di Identità Elettronica.

Many still possess the paper document issued years ago by their municipality. These citizens should be aware that the old version will automatically lose validity, even if the expiration date appears to be later.

Dual Citizens Who Travel Frequently

Dual citizens who travel between Italy and other countries may depend on their identity card for identification within Europe.

Because the Carta di Identità Elettronica is designed to meet modern security and travel standards, it will become the primary identity document used alongside the passport for many administrative and travel situations.

Families with Children Registered Abroad

Families living abroad with children who hold Italian citizenship should also ensure that their children have valid identity documents.

Like adults, minors will also require the Carta di Identità Elettronica, which has different validity periods depending on age.

Why Migrants Should Not Wait Until the Last Minute

For migrants and Italians abroad, replacing the paper identity card can take longer because the process usually involves appointments at Italian consulates.

As the 3 August 2026 deadline approaches, many consulates may experience significant increases in requests, which could lead to longer waiting times.

For this reason, citizens who still have the paper identity card are encouraged to start the replacement process early to avoid administrative difficulties in the future.

Validity of the Electronic Identity Card

The duration of the card depends on the holder’s age:

• 3 years – children under 3 years

• 5 years – minors between 3 and 18

• Approximately 10 years – adults

Why This Is Particularly Important for Migrants and Dual Citizens

For many migrants and dual citizens, the Carta di Identità Elettronica is more than just an identity document.

It can also serve as a practical alternative to carrying a passport, especially when:

• Traveling within the European Union

• Handling administrative matters with Italian authorities

• Identifying yourself in Italy during visits

• Accessing online government services

Many second-generation Italians and dual citizens rely on the identity card to maintain their administrative connection with Italy. Ensuring the document is valid and up to date helps avoid unexpected complications when traveling or dealing with public offices.

Common Mistakes Italians Abroad Make with Identity Documents

Many Italians living outside the country unintentionally make mistakes with identity documents that can create problems later.

Some of the most common include:

1. Keeping the paper identity card too longMany citizens assume the document is valid until its printed expiration date, but after 3 August 2026, the paper version will no longer be valid.

2. Not updating AIRE registrationIf your address in the Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero is not updated, it may delay identity document services at the consulate.

3. Waiting until the last minute to book a consular appointmentConsulates in many countries already experience long waiting times.

4. Assuming the passport is enoughWhile passports remain valid travel documents, the Carta di Identità Elettronica is often required for certain administrative procedures in Italy.

Why Italians Abroad Should Act Early

Italian consulates often experience high demand for identity document services. Waiting until close to the August 2026 deadline may make it difficult to secure an appointment.

Replacing the document early helps avoid:

• Long waiting times at consulates

• Travel complications

• Problems with identification abroad

• Delays in accessing Italian administrative services

Final Advice

If you are an Italian citizen living outside Italy and still have the paper identity card, you should contact your consulate and request the Carta di Identità Elettronica before 3 August 2026.

This new digital identity card will soon become the only valid identity card issued by Italy, both for residents and for citizens living abroad.