Poland ID Card Offices Overwhelmed; Consulates Won’t Issue Cards

In July, the Zebrzydowice Municipal Office processed more than 400 requests for personal ID cards, prompting officials to remind citizens to verify the validity of their documents before travel. Applications can take up to 30 days to be completed, and lost cards can be reported at any municipal office or via the mObywatel app.

The government answered a parliamentary inquiry by stating that issuing ID cards in Polish consulates abroad is not feasible. It cited a lack of legal basis, the need for extensive staff reorganisation, and multi‑million‑zloty costs, describing the proposal as "Za drogo i zbyt trudno" (too expensive and too difficult). Officials estimate that consular issuance could add 100‑200 k cases per year, requiring new positions, equipment and secure transport, meaning Poles living abroad must travel to Poland to obtain a new ID card.