Italy has expanded access to the Carta d’Identità Elettronica, the electronic identity card, for Italian citizens living outside the European Union. From 1 June 2026, eligible citizens abroad can request the electronic ID through any municipality in Italy, not only the municipality where they are registered in AIRE.
For many years, Italian citizens residing in the United States and many other non-EU countries could not obtain an Italian identity card and generally relied on an Italian passport. Later, Italy made it possible for citizens living outside the EU to request an Italian electronic ID through consulates, but the process could be difficult because applicants needed a consular appointment, paperwork, and travel to the consulate.
Law number 11 of January 2026 introduced a new procedure for Italian citizens residing outside the European Union. Starting from 1 June 2026, they may apply for an Italian electronic ID card at any Italian municipality.
This is a significant change for citizens registered with AIRE because they are no longer limited to the municipality where their AIRE registration is held. If one municipality is slow, unavailable, or uncooperative, the applicant may try another municipality in Italy.
Who can use the new procedure
The procedure applies to Italian citizens who:
- reside in a country outside the European Union;
- are Italian citizens;
- need an Italian electronic identity card;
- are able to travel to Italy to submit the request in person.
The applicant does not need to use the municipality where they are registered in AIRE. Any Italian municipality may be used.
Why the change matters
The change is especially important because paper Italian identity cards are being phased out. After August 2026, paper Italian identity cards will no longer be usable, and citizens who want an Italian identification document other than a passport will need an electronic ID card.
The electronic ID card cannot be printed immediately by a local municipality in the same way some paper IDs were issued in the past. The electronic card is processed through a central office in Rome.
How to apply at a municipality in Italy
There are two possible ways to start the process:
- book an appointment if the municipality uses the new appointment system for ID card requests;
- appear in person at the municipality if online booking is not available.
Not all municipalities have updated information or use the appointment system, so in some cases applicants may need to contact the office directly or appear in person.
At the appointment, the applicant must submit the request and pay the fee. The cost is approximately €22.
Delivery options
After applying, the applicant can choose how to receive the electronic ID card:
- delivery to the applicant’s foreign residence address;
- delivery to an Italian address;
- collection in person at the municipality.
Collecting the card in person is described as the safest option. Delivery to an Italian address is also considered safer than international shipping. Sending the card to a foreign address may involve additional risk because of international delivery.
Electronic ID card vs Italian passport
The Italian electronic ID card is different from an Italian passport.
A passport remains necessary for many types of international travel. However, an Italian identity card is sufficient for travel within the European Union, including by airplane between Italy and other European countries.
The electronic ID card also has practical advantages:
- it is smaller than a passport;
- it is less expensive;
- it can be used for certain official signatures;
- it can be used for some interactions with Italian public administration;
- it can serve as an Italian identification document when a passport is not necessary.
For Italian citizens who live abroad but spend time in Italy or Europe, the electronic ID card may be a practical document to hold alongside a passport.
Practical considerations
Applicants should not assume that every municipality has clear public instructions or online booking already available. Some municipal offices may not yet have updated their websites.
The most flexible part of the new rule is that applicants can use any municipality in Italy. This gives citizens abroad more options if their AIRE municipality is slow or difficult to work with.
Citizens with a paper Italian ID should pay attention to the August 2026 phase-out. After that point, anyone who wants an Italian identity document other than a passport will need to obtain the electronic version.
