Romania issues free first electronic ID cards to citizens 14+ until June 2026

Romanian authorities announced that the first electronic identity card (Carte Electronică de Identitate, CEI) will be issued free of charge to citizens who are at least 14 years old, provided the request is made before 30 June 2026. The programme, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, covers the initial issuance only and applies nationwide.

Applications can be submitted in person at any public community service for personal records, regardless of the applicant’s residence. Applicants must schedule an appointment online via the official portal (hub.mai.gov.ro), during which a facial photograph and two fingerprint impressions are captured. The new cards are credit‑card sized, feature advanced security elements, and enable access to digital public services while reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft.

Regional police units in Bihor and Sibiu have publicised the same information, urging citizens to verify the validity of their current documents and to book appointments early to avoid queues at service desks.