A trial issuance of Electronic Identity Cards for Italian citizens residing in our consular jurisdiction is underway.
The new Italian Electronic Identity Card (Carta di Identità Elettronica, or C.I.E. for short) is a multifunctional document — it attests one’s identity, serves as a travel document within the EU, includes one’s Italian tax code (codice fiscale), and can be used to apply for a digital identity with SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale, which translates to Public Digital Identity System in English) to access Italian government services.
ATTENTION: Electronic Identity Cards are not issued on the spot but are sent by mail to applicants’ homes.
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC IDENTITY CARD:
For the issuance of an Electronic Identity Card (C.I.E.), you must:
- be registered with the AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad) and reside in the jurisdiction of this Consular Chancellery;
- have your birth certificate registered in Italy, as the particulars of the registration thereof must be listed on the C.I.E.;
- have an Italian tax code (codice fiscale). Those who do not have one are invited to follow the instructions available at this web address to apply for one: https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/codice-fiscale/
- have updated your information in the consular records in case of change of address, change in marital status, or birth of children. In these cases, you will need to get in touch with the relevant services (AIRE: anagrafe.washington@esteri.it and/or Civil Status (Vital Records): stcivile.washington@esteri.it) before requesting an appointment for a C.I.E.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC IDENTITY CARD:
To request the issuance of an Electronic Identity Card, you must book an appointment through the Prenot@Mi platform.
Please enter the DATA RELATING TO THE HOLDER of the requested document, if different from the user registered at the time of making the appointment.
Married women are advised to enter their maiden name (as stated on their birth certificate).
Applicants must submit their applications in person.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR THE ISSUANCE OF AN ELECTRONIC IDENTITY CARD:
- One passport-sized photograph;
- Completed and signed application form. For minors the form must be signed by both parents;
- Italian passport (even if expired) or two witnesses;
- Previous Identity Card, if already in possession;
- Consent Document (atto di assenso) from both parents if the applicant is under 18 years of age;
- Consular fees. For the amount to be paid, please refer to the consular fee page updated quarterly.
DELIVERY:
The Electronic Identity Card (C.I.E.) is not issued on the day of the appointment; instead, it will be sent from Italy by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute) directly to the address provided by the applicant.
In case of non-delivery due to an incorrect address or end of the holding period at the post office, the package is returned to the Consular Chancellery for further delivery attempts.
The office responsible for Identity Cards can be contacted at the following email address: pass.washington@esteri.it.
ATTENTION: In the event that, following checks, elements emerge that prevent the processing of the application, the applicant will be informed of the impeding reasons.
FAQ
- To whom can an Electronic Identity Card be issued?
The Consular Chancellery of this Embassy can only accept Electronic Identity Card applications from Italian citizens regularly residing in its consular jurisdiction with completed AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad) registration.
If you have changed your residential address (compared to the one previously communicated to the Consular Office), you must request a change of address through the FAST IT portal before proceeding with the booking for the C.I.E.
- When can I apply for it?
An Electronic Identity Card is issued:
- In replacement of a valid paper Identity Card;
- To those who do not possess another valid Identity Card;
- In case of loss, theft, or deterioration of the previous card.
- How do I apply for an Electronic Identity Card (C.I.E.)?
C.I.E. applications must be submitted exclusively using the Prenot@Mi platform.
- Is it possible to schedule appointments for my minor children?
Yes. During the appointment booking phase, it will be necessary to fill out a form for each applicant.
- What will happen during the appointment?
On the day of the appointment, the consular officer acquires the documentation, performs identification and verification of the photo, and collects the applicant’s fingerprints and signature (except for children under 12 years old).
- How will I receive my Electronic Identity Card?
The Electronic Identity Card (C.I.E.) is issued by the Italian Ministry of the Interior and produced by the State Mint and Polygraphic Institute, which sends it by mail to the residential address indicated by the applicant.
- How long is an Identity Card valid for?
The validity of an Identity Card varies depending on the age of the holder and is:
- 3 years for minors aged between 0 and 3 years;
- 5 years for minors aged between 4 and 18 years;
- 10 years for individuals over 18 years of age.
- What is a consent document (atto di assenso)?
Consent for the issuance of Identity Cards for minors is also necessary in the case of unmarried, separated, or divorced parents. If the other parent is a citizen of the European Union, his or her presence at the Consulate is not required. It will be sufficient to have the completed and signed form along with a photocopy of the passport or Identity Card of the consenting parent for signature verification.
If the parent granting consent is not a citizen of the European Union, he or she must sign the declaration of consent in one of the following ways:
- At the Consular Chancellery on the day of the appointment, with a valid identification document;
- before a U.S. notary public.
- Do I need to request a new Identity Card if I change my address?
No. An Identity Card is an identity document, not a residency document.
- Is it possible for married women to include their husband’s surname?
No. An Identity Card is an identity document, not a civil status document.
- May I apply for an Identity Card at my municipality in Italy, even if I reside abroad?
You will need to verify this situation with the relevant municipality in Italy.
FORMS:
ELECTRONIC IDENTITY CARD APPLICATION FORM
ELECTRONIC IDENTITY CARD APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE