La paper identity card he will not retire on August 3, 2026The Council of Ministers has decided to to extend it effectiveness until the document's natural expiration, even beyond the date that had been indicated as the deadline for the general transition to the electronic identity card. A decision arrived at at the last minute for avoid a bank run registry data and ease the pressure on municipalities, many of which were already dealing with a sharp increase in requests for the release of CIEs.
The decision concerns the paper identity cards that have not yet expired, which will continue to be usable for certain purposes and in dealings with public administration and entities providing public services. For citizens, this means something very concrete: those who still have a valid paper document will not necessarily have to replace it by August 3rd.
Paper ID cards: the government postpones the ban
The measure was decided by the Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Palazzo Chigi. The line chosen by the executive aims to ensure continuity The new decision will improve the effectiveness of identification documents, preventing millions of citizens from being forced to renew their identity cards in a timely manner. The previous deadline of August 3, 2026, had been set as the deadline after which paper identity cards would no longer be usable, even if still formally valid. With the new decision, however, unexpired paper documents remain valid. valid until the date shown on the card same, even if after August 3rd.
The extension does not cancel the path towards the electronic identity card, but it makes it less traumatic. The Cie remains the document destined to progressively replace the old paper version, also because it meets more advanced security standards and allows access to digital services of the Public Administration.
Paper ID Card: Why the Extension Has Arrived
The postponement arises above all from the need to avoid further inconveniences to citizens and municipal offices. In many areas, the approaching deadline of August 3 had already caused asurge in bookings for issuing the electronic identity card, with registry offices under pressure and longer waiting times.
The situation risked becoming even more complicated during the summer, when demand for documents tends to increase, including for reasons related to travel, administrative procedures, and family needs. The government therefore decided to grant more time, avoiding the need for those who still have a valid paper card to immediately book their renewal.
The measure also serves to support the Municipalities, engaged in managing CIE requests and addressing an already complex administrative process. The goal is to ease the burden on registry offices, allowing for a more orderly transition to electronic documents.
What changes for those who still have the paper document?
Who owns one still valid paper identity card will be able to continue to use it until its natural expiry dateThe decisive date, therefore, is no longer August 3, 2026, but the date indicated on the document. Its validity, however, remains tied to the purposes identified by the provision, particularly in relations with the public administration and with entities providing public services. This step is crucial because it confirms the effectiveness of the paper document in the administrative sphere and in public services, even as part of a process that remains oriented toward its progressive replacement with the CIE.
For those whose card has expired, been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, it is still necessary to request a new document. In these cases, the standard method remains the electronic identity card, which can be obtained by making an appointment at the municipality of residence or domicile, or through available booking systems.
Provisional document if the CIE is slow to arrive
The measure also introduces a solution for those in urgent need of a document but is unable to quickly obtain the electronic identity card. Pending the issuance of the CIE, the Municipalities will be able to issue a temporary identity document.
This measure is designed to prevent citizens from being left without a valid document due to delays at registry offices or the high number of requests. This measure specifically concerns cases where the card has already expired or a new document is needed quickly, but the municipality is unable to immediately complete the CIE process.
How to apply for an electronic identity card
La Electronic identity card It remains the document towards which the Italian system is converging. It has the format of a card, certifies the citizen's identity and can be also used as a digital key To access public administration online services. Identity card renewals can be requested starting 180 days before expiration. You can immediately request a new document even if your previous card is stolen, lost, damaged, or destroyed.
To obtain the CIE you need to book an appointment at the registry office of your municipality or through the Online Agenda portal, where available. When applying, you will need a passport photo, in paper or digital format according to the procedures provided, and your health card or tax code to speed up registration. the basic cost is 16,79 euros, to which any secretarial fees set by the Municipality may be added.
La The duration of the CIE varies according to age.: three years for children under three, five years for minors between three and eighteen, and ten years for adults. For citizens temporarily unable to obtain fingerprints, the validity is limited to twelve months. Furthermore, starting June 2026, Italian citizens registered with AIRE can also apply for an electronic identity card at any Italian municipality.
The old paper card, therefore, gains time but the transition to the CIE is only postponed.
