Italian ID card (CIE) for foreign residents: Complete guide
If you legally live in Italy, you can apply for the Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE). This biometric ID card is issued by the municipality where you are registered. It confirms your identity inside Italy but does not replace a passport for international travel if you are not an Italian citizen.
This guide explains how to get an Italian ID as a resident, covering eligibility, documents, booking, fees, validity, and how the process differs for expats registered abroad.
Table of contents
- Who qualifies for an Italian ID card as a foreign resident?
- Is the Carta d’Identità Elettronica mandatory for foreign residents in Italy?
- How to book an appointment and apply for a CIE
- Documents required to apply for a Carta d’Identità with a residence permit
- Italian ID card (CIE) photo requirements
- Get your Italian ID photo online with Visafoto
- How much does a CIE cost for foreigners
- How long is the CIE valid for residents?
- How does the Italian ID for residents differ from citizens’ cards?
- FAQ
Who qualifies for an Italian ID card as a foreign resident?
EU citizens and non-EU nationals can apply for CIE if they are legally residing in Italy and registered with the local comune. Non-EU applicants must hold a valid permesso di soggiorno. Registration in the municipal population registry (anagrafe) is mandatory before applying.
The CIE issued to foreigners serves as a domestic identification document.
Is the Carta d’Identità Elettronica mandatory for foreign residents in Italy?
Italian law requires all residents (including foreigners) to carry valid identification at all times. However, this can be a passport, residence permit, or driver’s license, not necessarily the CIE. The CIE is optional for identity verification within Italy, although municipalities strongly encourage it for access to digital services such as SPID.
Foreign residents with a permesso di soggiorno are advised to obtain one for everyday use (banking, healthcare, administrative procedures), as it is issued by the comune where they are registered and confirms their residency status.
Note that a CIE issued to a foreign resident is not valid as a travel document outside Italy.
How to book an appointment and apply for a CIE
Carta d’Identità appointments are booked online through the official Ministry of the Interior portal: https://www.prenotazionicie.interno.gov.it. Select your municipality, verify availability, and choose a slot up to 180 days in advance (slots fill quickly in busy areas).
On the appointment day:
- Appear in person, as no proxies are allowed.
- Submit your documents (the full list is provided below).
- Provide fingerprints (except for children under 12).
- Pay the applicable fee.
The CIE is produced centrally at the IPZS mint and delivered to your comune within 2-6 weeks (it can be faster in some regions). Track via receipt or app; collect personally with ID, as there is no delivery option.
Documents required to apply for a Carta d’Identità with a residence permit
Bring originals. Copies are usually taken at the counter.
- A valid passport.
- A permesso di soggiorno (or the official renewal receipt for non-EU residents).
- Proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill or a certificate of residence issued by the comune.
- A codice fiscale, issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate (official website: https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it).
- A recent passport-type photo that meets biometric standards.
Some municipalities may request additional documents in specific cases (for example, name changes), so always check your local comune website in advance.
Italian ID card (CIE) photo requirements
The photo submitted along with your CIE application must comply with ICAO biometric standards:
- Size: 35×45 mm.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed.
- Eyes open and clearly visible.
- Plain light background.
- No shadows, glare, or digital alterations.
- Glasses are generally allowed only if they do not cause reflections and the eyes remain fully visible.
- For submission on the Prenotazioni CIE portal, upload a digital JPG file with a minimum resolution of 400 dpi and a file size under 500 KB.
Pre-submitting your photo for the Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE) during the online booking process can speed up your appointment without any extra cost. When reserving your slot at https://www.prenotazionicie.interno.gov.it, you can upload a compliant JPG file (minimum 400 dpi, under 500 KB) in the “Acquisizione Foto” section.
The system performs an automatic technical check and, if accepted, links the image to your application in advance, reducing the risk of delays at the counter.
Get your Italian ID photo online with Visafoto
You do not need a studio visit to prepare a compliant ID photo. With Visafoto, the process takes two steps:
- Take a selfie against any background.
- Upload the image and receive a ready-to-use ID photo within seconds.
Example of a photo you can upload to Visafoto:
The system automatically resizes, adjusts background color, centers the face, and checks biometric proportions according to official Italian requirements. You receive both a digital file for online use and a printable template.
Technical support is available 24/7. If your photo is rejected by authorities, you receive a full refund. The service reports a 99.7% acceptance rate, with more than 500,000 photos successfully accepted by government agencies worldwide. This reduces the risk of delays at the comune counter.
How much does a CIE cost for foreigners
The Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE) costs the same for foreign residents as for Italian citizens. The total price usually ranges from €22 to €30, depending on the municipality.
Fee breakdown:
- €16.79 national fee (production and issuance, fixed nationwide).
- €5–€10 municipal administrative rights (varies by comune).
- About €10.20 extra for a duplicate in case of loss or theft.
Payment is made at the municipal office by card, PagoPA, or sometimes cash. Fees are non-refundable. No special discounts apply to foreigners, though some comuni offer reduced rates for very young children. Always confirm the exact amount with your local municipality.
How long is the CIE valid for residents?
For foreign residents in Italy, the duration of the Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE) is linked to the validity of the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). In practice, it often matches the permit’s term: commonly 1–2 years for short-term non-EU stays and up to 5 years for long-term or EU residents. It cannot exceed the maximum validity allowed under Italian age-based rules.
Validity periods by age:
- Children under 3: 3 years.
- Ages 3–18: 5 years.
- Adults 18–70: 10 years.
- Over 70: 3 years.
Applications for renewal can generally be submitted up to 180 days before expiry.
How does the Italian ID for residents differ from citizens’ cards?
The main difference concerns travel rights. A CIE issued to an Italian citizen can function as a travel document within the EU and certain other countries. For foreign residents, the card is valid only as proof of identity within Italy.
Expiration also follows immigration status. If the residence permit expires, the ID card cannot remain valid beyond that date. Renewal requires updated residency documentation.
FAQ
Can I use the CIE instead of my passport inside Italy?
Yes. The CIE serves as a full identity document within Italy, covering banking, healthcare, and police checks. When paired with your permesso di soggiorno, it proves legal residency.
If I lose my CIE, how do I replace it?
Report the loss or theft immediately using the DEN1 online form or at a local police station. Then apply for a duplicate at your comune with an additional fee of around €10. The process is similar to the first issuance but requires the police report (denuncia).
Does the CIE provide SPID or digital access?
Yes. Through the CIE ID app, the card functions as Level 2 SPID credentials, allowing secure access to public services like INPS, Agenzia delle Entrate, or EU eIDAS platforms without separate registration.
Can I apply if my permesso di soggiorno is expiring soon?
Yes. You can use the renewal receipt (ricevuta) as proof of residency. Keep in mind that the CIE’s validity cannot exceed your residence permit, so renewing your permit first extends the card’s effective duration.
Is home delivery available for the CIE?
No. The card is produced centrally and must be collected in person at your issuing comune with your receipt and ID within 90 days. Unclaimed cards are destroyed for security reasons.