Brussels imposes the transition to the digital document throughout Europe. In Italy 5 million citizens have yet to update the document. And the spid? It could disappear
Latest holidays with paper identity card. In a year, whatever the expiry of the document, you have to have the digital document in your pocket. Brussels (European regulation 1157/2019) imposes this throughout the European Union. And it has run now. Less than a year after the deadline, about 5 million Italians, 8% of the population, has yet to make the transition to the electronic identity card.
Because the paper identity card will no longer be valid from August 2026
The paper paper will no longer be valid for expatriation from 3 August 2026 because it does not have the MRZ (Machine Readable Zone), a section automatically readable by the control systems. This code, consisting of three lines with standardized personal data, is essential to guarantee safety and speed on the boundaries and automatic systems. The CIE (the electronic identity card) fully meets the required requirements, thanks to the presence of the Mrz, of an integrated microchip and other safety elements. The European regulation sets at 2031 the deadline to adapt, but Italy anticipates the loss of validity by five years. This means that even those who have a paper identity card expiring in 2027 or beyond, will still have to change it by August 3, 2026.
Running to the renewal of the identity card and goodbye to the Spid: what changes for citizens
The change of the document can be made at any time at the registry office of your municipality, without waiting for the expiry of the current card. The cost varies between 16 and 22 euros and the new document is valid for 10 years for adults. The procedure provides for the booking of an appointment, the presentation in the registry and the receipt of the document by post within a few days. Many municipalities are already inviting citizens to act in advance to avoid the congestion of the offices in the summer period of 2026. The transition to CIE also represents a new step towards abandonment of the Spid: the government is increasingly focusing on the electronic identity card as a unified digital credential for access to the online services of the Public Administration. The CIE has a high level of security and is recognized throughout Europe and is gradually making SPID gradually, which has become paid for some users for some users. In addition, the agreement between managers and the government continues not to arrive. New table in September, but the end of the Spid remains an increasingly real possibility.
