Italian identity card for foreign nationals: how to apply for it (updated guide to 2026)

How to apply for an identity card for foreigners in Italy? Foreign citizens, both EU and non-EU, can obtain this document if they are staying in Italy for work, study or other needs. The identity card for foreigners is useful for accessing health services, opening a bank account, officially identifying oneself on Italian territory, and using online services of the Public Administration through digital identity.

In this small guide we look at the requirements and steps needed to apply for a foreigner’s ID card in Italy.

Who can apply for a foreigner’s identity card

Before proceeding with the ID card application process, it is important to know if you have the right requirements. They can apply for an identity card for foreigners in Italy:

• Non-EU citizens with:
  • Valid residence permit (or renewal receipt)
  • registered residence in Italy
• European Union citizens with:
  • Valid ID from your home country
  • registered residence in Italy

The registered residence in Italy is therefore mandatory to obtain the document.

ID card for foreigners without residence: is it possible?

The answer is no. In order to apply for an identity card for foreigners, it is imperative to have completed the residency process in Italy. If you are not registered as a resident on Italian soil, you cannot apply for the ID card.

On the other hand, the fact that the residence permit has expired does not prevent foreigners legally staying and residing in Italy from applying for an identity card. In such cases, when applying for a foreigner’s identity card, it is necessary to present the postal receipt showing that the residence permit has been renewed.

How to apply for an Italian identity card for non-EU and EU foreigners?

Foreign nationals in Italy must present themselves in person at the Registry Office of their municipality of residence. In many municipalities it is necessary to book the appointment online to apply for a foreigner’s ID card.

In the case of a minor applicant, the applicant must be accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian with valid identification.

What it takes to make a foreigner’s identity card

The documents to be presented to obtain an Italian identity card for foreigners are:

EU citizens

• Valid country of origin identification document
• certificate of residence in Italy

Cittadini extra UE

• valid passport
• valid residence permit or renewal receipt

In addition to these documents for EU and non-EU foreigners, we also need:

• a recent passport photo (in the same format as the passport)
• the expired ID card (if possessed)

The Italian Ministry of the Interior also advises, when applying to the municipality, to bring along one’s social security number or health card (if possessed) so as to speed up registration.

Also at the time of application, the applicant’s fingerprints will then be taken and consent or denial of organ donation will be requested.

Cost and release time

The standard cost is about €16.79, plus the fixed and secretarial fees provided by the municipality.

Issuance times are no longer as immediate as with the old paper ID card. The new electronic identity card (CIE) is mailed within about 6-10 business days to the address provided by the applicant.

You can apply for renewal up to 180 days before expiration.

What is the CIE (electronic identity card)

The CIE is the Italian identity document that replaced the old paper ID card, which is no longer issued except in exceptional cases. It is therefore theonly standard ID card format in Italy.

This is an electronic identity card that allows access to various online services of Italian government agencies and secure identification online as well.

For foreign nationals in Italy, the CIE is also used to access digital services such as INPS, Agenzia delle Entrate and public administration portals, use digital authentication systems and simplify many paperwork.

Unlike the old paper card, the CIE has a microchip, provides greater security against forgery, and allows access to online services through the “Enter with CIE” system.

Today, CIE is also analternative to SPID for accessing digital services: SPID is still active, but more and more public services allow direct access via electronic ID card, reducing the need to create a separate digital identity.

Validity of identity card for foreigners

The validity of the Italian ID card is:

• 3 years old for children under the age of 3;
• 5 years in the age group of 3 to 18 years;
• Of 10 years from the date of issuance for adults.

It is important to consider that the ID card for non-EU foreigners is a basic identification document, which is not used to prove the non-EU citizen’s legality on Italian territory. For this purpose, the residence permit is authentic.

In addition, for foreign citizens, the Italian ID card has only the value of an identification document and is not valid for expatriation. Therefore, a non-EU citizen residing in Italy cannot use it to travel abroad.

Frequently asked questions about the foreigner ID card

Do you need a residence permit to get an ID card?

Yes, for non-EU citizens, you must have a valid residence permit or the receipt of the renewal application.

How much does a foreigner’s ID card cost?

The cost of the electronic ID card is about €16.79.

How long does it take to get an ID card?

The electronic ID card is shipped within about 6-10 business days to the address given.

Is the foreigner’s ID card valid for travel?

For non-EU citizens, the ID card is not valid for travel abroad.

Can one apply for an ID card without residency?

No, registered residence in Italy is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a foreigner’s identity card.

Does the ID card replace the residence permit?

No, the ID card serves only as an identification document. Regularity of residence is evidenced by the residence permit.

What is the number of the electronic ID card?

The CIE number consists of two letters, five numbers and two final letters and is located on the front of the card, in the upper right corner. Read everything you need to know about the Italian ID card number here.

How to change the name on the foreigner ID card?

In order to change the name on a foreigner’s identity card, it is first necessary to update one’s registration information with the municipality of residence. In some cases, especially for non-EU citizens, it may be necessary to prove that the name change was also recognized by the authorities in the country of origin.

Wai helps you with paperwork

Need assistance with your foreigner ID card or Italian residence permit? Welcome Association Italy can help you, contact us to find out about our services.