Greece: New ID and driver's license requirements

Greek ID cards European Union regulations driver's license renewal Thessaloniki Flyover digital identity

Greek citizens are facing mandatory updates to identification and driving documents due to new European regulations. Under EU regulation 2019/1157, the traditional blue police ID cards will no longer be recognized as valid travel documents for international travel, including within the Schengen Area, as of August 3, 2026.

While old IDs remain valid for domestic transactions in Greece, citizens are advised to update their information with banks, insurance companies, mobile providers, and utility companies to avoid service disruptions. Public services linked to the National Citizen Registry are updated automatically.

Regarding driving licenses, the transition from paper to plastic European-style cards is also underway. While the final deadline for all old licenses is January 19, 2033, certain groups must renew sooner. Specifically, drivers reaching age 65 must replace their paper licenses with plastic cards during their scheduled renewal, which involves mandatory medical examinations. Drivers over 80 face even more frequent renewals, required every two years.

Entities

Athens · DYPA · European Union · Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection · Greek Police · Hellenic Police · Ministry of Citizen Protection · National Citizen Registry · New Democracy · Thessaloniki

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Drivers over the age of 80 must renew their licenses every two years. kefaloniamagazine.gr · www.olympia.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] License renewal requires medical examinations by a pathologist and an ophthalmologist. www.olympia.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Mandatory replacement is required if a paper license is lost, stolen, or significantly damaged. www.larissanet.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Drivers reaching the age of 65 are required to replace their paper licenses with the new European-style plastic card during renewal. www.larissanet.gr · kefaloniamagazine.gr · www.olympia.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] All old paper driving licenses must be replaced by January 19, 2033, after which they will no longer be valid. www.larissanet.gr · www.olympia.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The license replacement process can be completed electronically through the gov.gr platform. www.larissanet.gr