Italy prolongs paper ID validity, adds temporary cards in eID shift

A decree‑law (108/2026) modifies Italy's identity‑document rules ahead of the nationwide rollout of the electronic identity card (CIE). From 3 August 2026 the paper identity card will no longer be accepted for travel abroad, but it can still be used within Italy for essential services – health, pension, social security, banking, postal and judicial matters – until 31 January 2027.

The same decree creates a provisional paper identity document that municipalities may issue until 31 December 2027. The provisional card is valid for up to six months, is non‑renewable, must be returned when the CIE is received, and its acceptance for travel abroad depends on the destination state.

To assist citizens with the transition, the Ministry of the Interior organised open‑day sessions in Rome on 11–12 July 2026 at several municipal offices and tourist information points, where appointments are required. Local municipalities across Italy have also announced extra opening hours and special service points to handle CIE applications and to distribute information about the new provisional document.