Italy's paper ID cards lose overseas validity from Aug 3 2026

From 3 August 2026 Italy will no longer accept paper identity cards as valid travel documents for trips outside the country. Travelers must use the new electronic identity card (Carta d'Identità Elettronica, CIE) or a passport, in line with an EU regulation that came into force on that date.

Paper cards will continue to be usable within Italy for interactions with public administrations and public services until their natural expiration, but they cannot be used for border checks. Their validity cannot extend beyond 31 January 2027, when the old format will be fully retired. The government decree also allows early renewal of the electronic card in cases of theft, loss, damage or deterioration of the paper document.

Local municipalities have warned that the timing creates pressure on civil‑registry offices to issue CIEs and on citizens planning summer travel. Officials advise anyone still holding a paper card to request the electronic version promptly to avoid travel disruptions.