Italy extends paper identity card validity until 2027, pushes transition to electronic CIE

The Italian government has postponed the deadline for using paper identity cards beyond the previously set 3 August 2026. A decree issued on 16 June, inserted into the sports decree, extends the paper card’s validity for specific functions until its natural expiration, but not later than 31 January 2027, which is the final date for mandatory adoption of the electronic identity card (CIE). The paper document can still be used for voting, public‑sector recruitment, and passport issuance, but it cannot be used for digital services such as SPID, private‑sector identification (banks, insurers, contracts) or for travel abroad.

In the city of Foggia, the municipal offices will hold an extraordinary opening on Saturday 27 June 2026 to allow citizens to replace their paper cards. The service will run from 08:30 to 13:00 at the central Palazzo di Città, by appointment only. Priority will be given to pregnant women, seniors over 75 and people with reduced mobility, who must present the required documents or two witnesses if the card is lost.