Italians residing abroad and registered with AIRE can now apply for Electronic identity card (CIE) in any Italian comuneThe change took effect on Monday, June 1, 2026, and expands an option that previously relied mainly on consulates.
The new policy arrives with a tight deadline for those who still use the carta d'identità cartacea. (on paper)As of August 3, 2026, the paper document will no longer be valid, regardless of the expiration date printed on it.
The request can be made at the town hall or at the consulate.
The new rule allows Italian citizens registered with AIRE to apply for the CIE in any Italian municipality, not just in their designated municipality. (for registration)According to a statement from the Italian consular network, the change stems from Law No. 11, of January 19, 2026.
The consular alternative still exists. The Ministry of the Interior informs that Italians residing abroad and registered with AIRE can request the CIE at their respective consulate, if the service is active, according to the rules indicated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In practice, the choice depends on schedule, urgency, location, and travel costs. Those already in Italy can try the comune (municipality). Those not planning to travel should proceed through the consular channel.
How much does the CIE cost?
In Italy, the base cost for issuing the CIE is... € 16,79In addition to any fees charged by the municipality, the Ministry of the Interior recommends keeping the receipt provided during the application process.
According to the consular network, the amount reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is... € 21,95 For first issuance or renewal. In case of duplicate due to theft or loss, the cost is... € 27,11.
There is no single national fee for separate shipping listed on the official websites consulted. Therefore, anyone wishing to receive the document outside their municipality should confirm directly with the chosen institution whether there is a local charge, payment method, and delivery method.
How to schedule
Appointments in the municipalities can be made through the official platform “CIE Prenotazioni“, from the Ministry of the Interior, when the chosen comune has activated the service. In that case, simply show up on the scheduled day and time. (Where to schedule: Prenote a communal appuntation)
If the municipality is not in the system, the solution is less convenient: it will be necessary to contact the municipal registry office directly. This is where many people run into problems. Small municipalities don't always respond quickly, and some are reluctant to process applications from AIRE registrants coming from outside the area.
The tip is simple: don't travel relying on makeshift service. Before buying a ticket, confirm by email whether the comune accepts AIRE registrants, if there are vacancies, what documents are required, how they charge the fee, and if they accept delivery to the desired address.
What to bring to the appointment
To apply for the CIE (Foreigner Identification Card) in Italy, citizens must appear in person at the comune (municipality) with a passport-sized photo, unless the image has been submitted digitally through the appointment system. It is also recommended to have... fiscal Code (Italian CPF) ou health insurance card to speed up registration.
For first-time issuance, another valid identity document is required. If the request is for renewal or replacement due to deterioration, the old document must be handed over to the municipal operator. During the appointment, the Comune verifies the personal data, collects fingerprints, and registers the signature.
For minors, consular regulations require parental consent. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also informs that, for citizens born abroad, the birth must be registered in the relevant municipality (Comune) for the issuance of the CIE (Foreigner Identity Card).
Delivery is not immediate.
The CIE (Foreigner Identification Card) is not ready immediately. The Ministry of the Interior informs that the document is delivered within [timeframe]. six business days Based on the request made in Italy.
At the time of application, the citizen can indicate whether they want to receive the card at a specific address or pick it up at the Comune (municipality). Personalization, printing, and shipping are handled by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (State Police and Citizenship Institute).
Delivery to the indicated address is made via raccomandat with delivery "mani proprie," meaning to the owner or a delegated person. The address must be complete, including street, number, postal code, city, and province. If there is a scale, internal area, doorbell, intercom, or post office box, this information must also be correct.
This detail may seem small, but it's where many people waste time. If the name isn't visible on the intercom or mailbox, or if the address is incomplete, delivery may fail and the document may end up being returned to the Comune for collection.
How to avoid stress with the Comune
The worst strategy is to arrive in Italy and try to resolve the CIE issue on the fly. The best strategy is to treat the application as a bureaucratic commitment with room for error.
Before booking your trip, confirm whether the Comune uses the “Prenotazioni CIE” platform. If not, write directly to the registry office. Ask if they serve those registered with AIRE, what documents are required, if there are available appointments, what the total cost is, how payment should be made, and if they allow collection by a delegate.
Those with only a few days in Italy should opt for picking up their order at the Comune (municipality) whenever possible. Delivery to an Italian address may work, but depends on correct information, the presence of the address holder or their representative, and postal delivery times. For those staying in hotels, Airbnbs, or third-party homes, the risk of delivery failure is higher.
Anyone requesting international shipping must have another valid travel document, such as a passport. The CIE (Foreigner's Identity Card) should not be treated as an emergency solution for imminent departure.
The change became urgent because the paper-based document will be phased out on August 3, 2026. After that date, anyone still possessing the paper document may be left without a valid Italian identity for recognition and travel.
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