Romania abolishes paper ID copies with new e‑ID verification law

Romanian legislators have introduced a bill to simplify interactions between citizens and public authorities by eliminating the need for paper copies of identity documents. The proposal mandates that public institutions, local and central administrations, and authorized private service providers verify personal identity and address data directly through the National Register of Persons, ending the practice of requesting photocopies of electronic ID cards or separate proof of residence.

Non‑compliance would be treated as a contravention, punishable by fines ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 lei. The measure responds to hundreds of complaints lodged on the fara‑hartie.gov.ro platform after the introduction of the electronic identity card, which stores address information digitally and led many citizens to be asked for additional documents despite the data already existing in state databases. Senator Vasile‑Ciprian Rus highlighted the need to “debureaucratise” the system, noting that about 60 % of files still contain unnecessary copies of IDs. The draft law also extends verification obligations to notaries and other entities providing public services under state authority.