Goodbye paper identity card, from August 2026 no longer valid for travel abroad

Italy says goodbye to the paper identity card. Not only will anyone with an expiring document now switch to the Cie, the electronic identity card, for renewal, but from next year the paper version of the identity card will no longer be accepted for travel abroad.

As of 3 August 2026, regardless of the expiry date stated on the document, identity cards issued on a paper model will cease to be valid for travel abroad and only electronic identity cards will be accepted for travel to another country. This is an effect of European Regulation No. 1157/2019, which strengthens the security standards applicable to identity cards issued by EU member states to their citizens. In fact, paper identity cards do not meet the minimum security standards: the personal and biometric data contained in the microchip of the CIE, protected by the security mechanisms provided for in the Icao 9303 recommendations, make it possible to ascertain the identity of the holder of the document and its authenticity.

Various municipalities are already inviting citizens in possession of paper identity cards to check the stated expiry date: if the expiry date is later than 03 August 2026, they are invited to go to the Registry Office in good time for the issue of a new electronic identity card. In addition, any Italian resident in possession of a paper ID card can also proceed, even before 03.08.2026, to the issuance of a new ID card in order to switch to the electronic one.

The electronic identity card is equipped with a contactless microchip that contains: the holder's personal data, photo and fingerprints, protected by mechanisms to prevent counterfeiting and improper reading; information to allow online authentication by the citizen to online services provided by public administrations and companies; and additional data for value-added services in Italy and Europe.