IMPORTANT NEWS: Starting June 1, 2026, even Italian citizens registered to the Registry of Italians Resident Abroad (AIRE) will be able to request an electronic ID card at any Italian municipality. The ID card can be picked up in person at the municipality or can be shipped to the foreign address of residence. (Law 11/2026)
The electronic identity card (CIE) is used for identification and travelling within the European Union, in some Schengen Area countries, and in other countries that have bilateral agreements with Italy (more information on viaggiaresicuri.it). It also allows access to a number of online services of the Italian Public Administration.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR A CIE?
Italian citizens registered with AIRE and residing in the Brussels consular district (Belgian municipalities with postal codes between 1000 and 3999 and between 8000 and 9992) can apply for a CIE in one of the following cases:
- Issuance of the first identity card;
- possession of a damaged, expired, or expiring identity card;
- Loss or theft of the last issued identity card.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A CIE?
Italian citizens registered with AIRE and residing in the Brussels consular district (Belgian municipalities with postal codes between 1000 and 3999 and between 8000 and 9992) have 3 options to request an ID card:
- Starting June 1, 2026, at any Italian municipality by scheduling an appointment through the Ministry of the Interior’s booking platform, or without an appointment if the Italian municipality allows it;
- At the Consulate General of Italy in Brussels by scheduling an appointment themselves through the Prenot@mi platform.
- At the Consulate General of Italy in Brussels without an appointment, subject to availability, at 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and also at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. This option does not guarantee access.
Before scheduling an appointment (or visiting the Consulate General), please remember to ensure your consular file is in order and your residential address is up to date. Any changes of address must be communicated through the FAST IT website.
WHAT TO DO ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT AT THE CONSULATE AND WHAT DOCUMENTATION TO PRESENT
- Arrive at the Consulate General entrance 15 minutes before your appointment time. Animals, suitcases, and vehicles (including bicycles or scooters) are not permitted.
- Access is permitted exclusively to the applicant and their companion only if the applicant is a minor or requires specific assistance.
- If the appointment is for a minor, the minor must be present and accompanied by at least one parent (or the parent/guardian exercising parental responsibility).
Documentation required:
- 1 color passport photo, taken within the last 6 months, on a white background compliant with ICAO regulations.
- Valid Belgian residence permit or Belgian identity card. Those who also hold Belgian citizenship must present a certificate of Belgian nationality explicitly stating the date and method of acquisition.
- Any last identity card held, or, in the event of theft or loss, a report filed with the local police authorities.
- For minors who have never had an Italian ID card the presence of both parents is mandatory. Minors who have a previously issed Italian ID card can come accompanied by one parent only granted that the following additional documentation is presented:
- If the absent parent is a European Union citizen: consent form signed by the absent parent and accompanied by a photocopy of an identification document;
- If the absent parent is a citizen of a country outside the European Union: signed consent form from the absent parent, with signature authenticated by the local authorities or, if resident in another country, by the competent Italian diplomatic-consular office.
VALIDITY OF THE CIE
- 3 years for minors under 3 years of age;
- 5 years for minors between 3 and 18 years of age;
- 10 years for adults.
Please note that changes in the CIE holder’s residence do not require updating the document or issuing a new CIE.
BEWARE: Paper-format identity cards will no longer be valid for travel abroad starting August 3, 2026, regardless of their expiration date!
HOW AND WHEN TO RECEIVE THE CIE
The CIE It is sent by registered mail from the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato to the applicant’s Belgian residence address.
Except in special cases, it should be delivered within 15 days of the appointment. The applicant can track the shipment online using the tracking code provided by the Consular Office.
If the CIE is not delivered within the above deadline, the applicant is responsible for checking with their local post office to determine whether the CIE is there. If this is not the case, the applicant should contact the Consulate General.
HOW MUCH DOES THE CIE COST?
- €21.95 (first issue or subsequent issues following expiration);
- €27.11 (for duplicates due to deterioration, theft, or loss).
Payment is made on the day of the appointment at the Consulate General, preferably by debit card (Bancontact). Cash payments cannot be accepted except in exceptional cases and with prior approval.
DECLARATION OF ACCOMPANIMENT FOR <14-OLDS TRAVELLING WITHOUT PARENTS
By appointment only. Minors under 14 may travel accompanied by a person (or company) different than the parents or legal guardians only if they have a special declaration of accompaniment issued by the competent Italian or Belgian authority, certifying the name of the person/organization/transport company to whom the minors are entrusted.
WHAT IS THE APPLICABLE REGULATION?
- Legge 21 novembre 1967, n. 1185. Norme sui passaporti (modificata dalla Legge 16 gennaio 2003, n. 3 e dal Decreto-legge 25 settembre 2009, n. 135, convertito in Legge 20 novembre 2009, n. 166).
- Decreto ministeriale 23/12/2015. Modalità tecniche di emissione della Carta d’identità elettronica.
- Decreto legislativo 3 febbraio 2011, n. 71. Ordinamento e funzioni degli Uffici consolari
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE DETAILED INFORMATION?
This page summarizes the main information, a more detailed page can be found here.