Skip to content The Italian identity card for foreigners is an identification document that can be used to circulate on Italian territory. It can be requested upon registration of residence at the local Anagrafe.
Can I travel with Italian ID card?
The Italian identity card for foreigners cannot be used abroad as an identification document by foreign nationals. It is advisable to always bring a passport with travelling internationally, along with their own national alternative ID.
On the contrary, Italian ID cards released to Italian citizens are valid to travel abroad too.
How to apply for Italian ID card?
Applicants must apply for the Italian identity card for foreigners in person at the Town Hall of the registered residency. Applicants must:
- Submit their biometrics at the time of application;
- Provide supporting documents, like an Italian tax code, passport or national identification document;
- [For non-EU citizens] submit the residence permit or the receipt of application for the Italian residence permit.
How long does it take to issue it?
The Town Hall does not automatically issue the Identity Card: they take approximately 6 days to release it.
Validity of the Identity Card
The validity of the identity card depends on the age of the applicant:
- 10 years for people of age,
- 5 years for minors from 3 to 18 years old,
- 3 years for minors who are less than 3 years old.
Please note that, as far as non-EU citizens are concerned, if they don’t renew their residence permit, the Italian Identity card might lose its validity even before its standard expiration.
Are paper cards still valid?
ID cards are now released only in the electronic, plastic version in Italy. Paper ID cards can still be used, if not yet expired. However, once they are renewed before their expiry, they will be issued in the new plastic version.
How do I renew my Italian identity card for foreigners?
The renewal process can be started 6 months before the expiry of the current ID card.
The renewal application must be submitted at the Town Hall where the applicant currently resides, providing the expired card, one’s biometrics including a picture and the stamp duty to be paid at the Town Hall office.