The Electronic Identity Card (Carta di Identità Elettronica – CIE) is the identity document of Italian citizens, issued by the Ministry of the Interior and produced by the State Printing Works and Mint (Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato). Owing to its advanced security and anti-counterfeiting features, it enables verification of the holder’s identity and access to digital services of the Public Administration. Further information is available on the website: https://www.cartaidentita.interno.gov.it/
PLEASE NOTE: The Electronic Identity Card is not issued on the spot. Biometric data (fingerprints) are collected at the Embassy and the application is processed electronically, while the card itself is issued by the State Printing Works and Mint, which is also responsible for its delivery by post to the Embassy.
Who may apply for the CIE?
The CIE is issued exclusively to Italian citizens who are permanently resident within this consular district and whose AIRE registration has been duly regularised/formalised (i.e. confirmed by the relevant Italian Municipality).
For details regarding AIRE registration or changes thereto, please refer to the dedicated webpage.
It is also essential, for Italian citizens born abroad, that their birth certificate has already been registered in the Civil Status records of the relevant Italian Municipality, as the registration details must be included on the CIE.
When and how to apply for the CIE?
Applications for the CIE may be submitted in the following cases:
- first issuance (where no identity card is currently held);
- theft, loss or deterioration of a previous identity card;
- replacement of a paper identity card or of a first- or second-generation CIE (issued prior to 4 July 2016).
In order to apply for the Electronic Identity Card, it is necessary to:
- book an appointment by selecting the “Electronic Identity Card” service on the Prenot@mi platform;
- send the application form (see Forms section) together with a copy (front and back) of the current identity card, or, failing this, of the passport, at least 7 days prior to the appointment, to the email address consolare.manila@esteri.it (the Office reserves the right not to proceed with the application should the form not be received in due time).
Each Prenot@mi booking is valid for one CIE applicant only.
Should any discrepancies in personal data or impediments to the issuance of the CIE arise during verification, the Embassy will inform the applicant (via the email address provided at the time of booking on Prenot@mi), also for the purpose of cancelling the appointment.
The applicant and/or the card holder, if over 12 years of age, must be present at the appointment for the collection of biometric data.
The presence of both parents at the appointment is mandatory for applications concerning minors under 18 years of age.
In the event of loss or theft of a valid paper or electronic identity card, a formal report must be filed with the local Police and submitted to this Office at the time of the appointment, together with the relevant form (see Forms section).
What documentation must be brought to the appointment?
- Two recent colour passport-sized photographs, with a white background, compliant with ICAO international standards (please note that this Office cannot take photographs at the CIE counter);
- Completed and signed application form (hard copy);
- Current identity card; if unavailable, a valid Italian passport or other valid Italian identification document;
- (Where applicable) declaration of loss/theft of the previous valid document (see “Forms” section);
- (Where applicable) statement of consent from both parents if the applicant is under 18 years of age (see “Forms” section);
- Consular fee of €21.95 in the case of first issuance or renewal, and €27.11 in the case of a duplicate due to theft, loss or deterioration of a valid CIE.
Consent for the issuance of an identity card to minors, as for passports, is required also in the case of unmarried, separated or divorced parents. If the other parent is an EU citizen, their presence at the Embassy is not required; it will suffice to submit the duly completed and signed consent form together with a copy of the passport or identity card of the parent giving consent (see “Forms” section). If the consenting parent is a non-EU national, they must sign the consent declaration in person on the day of the appointment, presenting a valid passport.