Question: What is the Italian Carta d’Identità (identity card)? How can I apply for it?
Answer: The Italian Carta di Identità is an official photo identification document valid to travel throughout the European Union.
The Carta d’Identità is issued by the Comune (local municipality) where you live in Italy and is valid for 10 years.
In order to apply, find the Ufficio Anagrafe (Vital Records Office) of the Comune in which you live.
You must be a registered resident of that municipality in order to apply for the Carta d’Identità. In order to be a registered resident with a Comune (an Italian municipality) you are required to file a residence application.
The Italian Identity Card can generally be issued to:
✅ Italian citizens (adults and minors)
✅ EU citizens legally residing in Italy
✅ non-EU nationals legally registered as resident in Italy
✅ Italian citizens registered with AIRE (Italians residing abroad)
In most cases, the application must be submitted to the municipality where the applicant is registered as resident. Depending on local procedures, it may also be possible to apply through the municipality of temporary residence, subject to verification of the applicant’s personal records.
For foreign nationals, obtaining an Italian Identity Card does not constitute proof of Italian citizenship, but it serves as an official identification document issued by the Italian authorities.
Understanding eligibility and the competent municipality is often an important step for individuals relocating to Italy or navigating Italian citizenship and immigration procedures.
The requirements for an Italian residence application depend on your citizenship and immigration status. Read more HERE.
The Italian government is in the process of converting all paper versions of the CdS to cards with an electronic chip, called a Carta di Identità Elettronica (CIE). It can be used for identity verification and the access to online services of government offices and services in Italy.
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