Vacations planned, Erasmus or a visit to a distant family member, if you still have a paper ID card, it’s time to redo it. As of August 2026, the only card valid for expatriation will be the CIE, or electronic ID card. We had remained one of the few countries in Europe with a paper ID card, but the time has come to say goodbye to it. What are the reasons for this change? How to apply for it? How long does a new ID card take? Read on if you want the answer to all these questions!
Why is the paper ID card no longer good?
The main reason for the ban on expatriation for those who have it lies in the fact that it does not meet the standards set by the European Union. In recent years, in fact, rules on the security of identity documents have become more stringent. European Regulation 2019/1157 requires every card to be equipped with the MRZ (Machine Readable Zone), that band that allows automatic readers to immediately recognize personal data. Without this technology, the old paper card remains valid only within national borders, but is no longer sufficient to cross European ones.
How do I apply for a new ID card?
To apply for an electronic ID card in Milan, you need to book an appointment, which can be made online through the official “CIE Reservations” platform or by calling the Infoline 02.02.02 service, which operates Monday through Saturday. On the day of the appointment you have to show up at the chosen registry office with the required documentation:
- health card or social security number
- a recent passport photo in color on a light background
- the paper ID card
The electronic ID card is issued by appointment only and has a cost of 22.20 euros to be paid in person at the registry counter on the day of the appointment.
How long does it take?
The new electronic ID card is not delivered immediately, but rather is mailed to your home or can be picked up at the municipality within 6 working days of the appointment. Okay, but how long does it take to make an appointment? You know, Milan is notorious for having uncommon waiting times, and that is exactly why we recommend that you get yours as soon as possible. At the moment, we estimate waiting times of about 15 days, but that number may not go up.