Italy’s government has postponed the planned phase-out of paper identity cards, allowing existing documents to remain valid until their natural expiration dates, even beyond the previously announced August 3, 2026 deadline.
The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers during a meeting at Palazzo Chigi on June 16, marking a significant adjustment to the country’s digitalization agenda.
Earlier this year, a February 3 circular issued by the Ministry of the Interior had established August 2026 as the final deadline for paper identity cards, making the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) the only valid form of identification. However, mounting operational difficulties faced by municipalities across the country prompted the government to reconsider.
Many local administrations have struggled to cope with a surge in applications for electronic identity cards, resulting in significant delays in processing and issuance. To prevent disruptions for citizens, the government has decided that paper identity cards that have not yet expired will continue to be accepted in dealings with public authorities and providers of public services.
In addition, municipalities will be authorized to issue temporary identity documents in cases where a citizen’s paper ID has expired and a replacement electronic card cannot be delivered promptly.
The transition to the Electronic Identity Card remains a strategic objective, aligning Italy with European standards for security and digital services. The credit-card-sized document functions not only as proof of identity but also as a secure gateway to a wide range of online public services.
Citizens may apply for renewal up to 180 days before their card expires. Validity periods remain unchanged: three years for children under three, five years for minors aged three to eighteen, and ten years for adults.