In Italy, new electronic identity cards (CIE) for people aged 70 and over are issued without an expiration date. However, holders who use the card to access online services may later need a replacement: the digital certificate is valid for a maximum of ten years.
The rule applies to CIEs issued from 30 July 2026 to people who are already 70 or older at the time of application. On the document, the validity field states «ILLIMITATA» — «indefinite». According to estimates by the Italian Department of Public Administration, the measure affects more than 10 million people.
The key distinction is between using the card as a conventional identity document and its electronic identification. The document itself remains valid indefinitely, while the certificate for logging in via «Entra con CIE» to public and private online services has a separate validity period.
As explained by the Municipality of Florence, this period is a maximum of ten years from the date of issue of the card. After it expires, to continue digital identification via CIE, a new card must be obtained and the previous one cancelled.
If the holder uses the indefinite CIE only for ordinary proof of identity, no mandatory replacement is required after ten years. The expiration of the digital certificate does not by itself make the ID card invalid.
Previously issued cards do not automatically become indefinite. CIEs issued before 30 July 2026 retain the expiration date shown on them, explains the Consulate General of Italy in Brussels.
For Ukrainians and their relatives in Italy, it is important to understand the conditions for obtaining the document. CIE is also available to foreign residents of the country: Italian citizenship is not required to obtain it. Note that CIE and a residence permit are different documents. An Italian ID card issued to a foreigner may not be used as a travel document for trips abroad.
There are also exceptions to the indefinite validity. According to the clarification of the municipality of San Giuliano Milanese, for applicants for international protection the three-year validity period is maintained, even after age 70. If fingerprints temporarily cannot be taken, the card is issued for a period not exceeding 12 months.
Sources: Italian Department of Public Administration, Municipality of Florence, Consulate General of Italy in Brussels, Municipality of San Giuliano Milanese.
Official specimen of the Italian electronic identity card CIE (facsimile). Source: Italian Ministry of the Interior. Image size altered.
