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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [POLITICS]

5 clusters · 18 sources · 48 days · First seen · Last updated

Greece identity and driver's license updates

Overview

Following the implementation of EU regulation 2019/1157, Greek citizens are transitioning to new biometric identification and driving documents. As of August 3, 2026, traditional blue police ID cards are no longer recognized as valid travel documents for international travel, including within the Schengen Area, though they remain valid for domestic transactions. To prevent administrative complications, citizens are advised to update their personal information across various sectors following the issuance of new biometric ID cards. This includes notifying banks (via e-banking or in-person), insurance companies, mobile and internet providers, and utility companies such as PPC (DEI) and EYDAP. Employers should also receive copies of the new ID. Furthermore, users of digital payment applications, such as Viva Wallet or Revolut, must upload photos of both sides of the new document. The Hellenic Police manages the issuance process, and citizens can schedule appointments through official government electronic services. The standard cost for issuing or replacing an old ID is €10.50, which includes a €10 electronic fee (code 4485). The process involves biometric data collection and the submission of required documentation, such as the old ID. Drivers are also transitioning from paper to plastic European-style licenses. While the final deadline for all old licenses is January 19, 2033, mandatory replacement of pink paper licenses is required when a driver reaches age 65, in cases of loss, theft, severe damage, or when adding a new vehicle category. Drivers aged 65 and older must renew their licenses every three years, while those over 80 face more frequent renewals, such as every two years, and additional medical examinations. The replacement process can be completed electronically via the gov.gr platform using Taxisnet credentials, the myPhoto service, and electronic fee payments.

Entities

Greece · Hellenic Police · Schengen Area · Thessaloniki · European Union

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Greece: New biometric ID card issuance and update requirements

    Greek citizens must transition to new biometric IDs for international travel. After issuance, details must be updated with banks, insurers, and utility providers to ensure uninterrupted service.

  2. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Greece: Requirements for updating information with new ID cards

    Greek citizens must update their information with banks, insurers, and utilities after receiving new ID cards, as old blue IDs are no longer valid for travel within the Schengen Area.

  3. [POLITICS] 7 sources
    Greece mandates transition from paper to plastic driving licenses

    Greek drivers must replace old paper driving licenses with European-style plastic cards by 2033, with mandatory updates required for those turning 65 or in cases of loss or damage.

  4. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Greece warns of identity card scams involving fake fines

    Greek authorities warn of a scam where fraudulent messages claim citizens face fines for not issuing new identity cards. No such fines exist, and old cards remain valid domestically until 2027.

  5. [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
    Greece: New ID and driver's license requirements

    Greek citizens must update ID cards and driving licenses due to EU regulations. Blue IDs will not be valid for travel after August 2026, and drivers aged 65+ must transition to plastic licenses.

Sources

cretaone.gr · e-radio.gr · gargalianoionline.gr · ilialive.gr · irafina.gr · kefaloniamagazine.gr · larissanet.gr · lawandorder.gr · newsbomb.gr · newsit.gr · olympia.gr · pelop.gr · proson.gr · seleo.gr · sportime.gr · tempo24.news · thestival.gr · tromaktiko.gr

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history