Italy's paper identity card no longer valid for expatriation; electronic ID now required for travel

End of paper ID for travel

On 3 August 2026, the Italian paper identity card ceased to be valid for expatriation. The change, mandated by Decree-Law 108 of 26 June 2026, means that anyone crossing an Italian border must now present either a Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE), a passport, or a provisional document issued by a municipality. The paper card's printed expiry date is irrelevant for travel purposes. The measure aligns with EU Regulation 2019/1157, which aims to harmonize document security across the bloc; old paper cards lack microchips, fingerprints and biometric features, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting.

Domestic use extended

Within Italy, the paper card retains its validity for identification until 31 January 2027. It can still be used for dealings with public administration, banks, post offices, health and social security services, pension collection, and the receipt of registered mail or judicial notifications. Contracts and notarial deeds signed before 3 August 2026 where the paper ID was used for identification remain valid for that specific act until the card's natural expiry. The Interior Ministry is still finalizing guidelines for municipalities on the transition.

Options for travelers

Travelers who do not yet have a CIE can request one at their municipality of residence at any time, without waiting for the paper card to expire. Delivery takes approximately six working days, though summer demand may lengthen waiting times. Those who already hold a valid passport can use it for all international travel. The CIE contains a microchip with biometric data and is accepted throughout the EU and in many non-EU countries that recognize the Italian electronic identity card.

The provisional document and its risks

For emergencies, municipalities may issue a provisional identity document valid for up to six months and non-renewable. The decree specifies that it is a valid title for expatriation under article 3 of the consolidated public security law, but it also warns that "the provisional identity document may not be accepted by some foreign states for admission to their territory." Consumer association Assoutenti cautioned that travelers relying on this document could be denied entry at their destination.

“This means that, starting from August 3, citizens who go to the airport to leave for a summer destination will be left stranded if they do not have a CIE or passport, while if they obtain a provisional document from municipalities, they could be denied entry into foreign territory if the destination country does not recognize its validity. A change that comes right in the middle of summer departures, and which risks creating inconvenience for citizens also because an adequate information campaign for users has not been carried out. The advice for those who have to travel abroad is to check in advance the documents needed to enter foreign countries, also through the Farnesina's Viaggiare Sicuri website.”

Over-70s get unlimited CIE

A separate measure, introduced by Decree-Law 19 of 19 February 2026, took effect on 30 July 2026: electronic identity cards issued to citizens aged 70 or over no longer carry an expiry date. The card shows the word "illimitata" instead of a date and remains valid indefinitely for both identification and expatriation, provided there are no legal impediments. Existing CIEs held by over-70s retain their printed expiry dates and do not automatically become permanent; the unlimited validity applies only to cards issued from 30 July onward. Holders may still request a new CIE after ten years to update digital features.