Category: News
In recent months, many citizens have been alarmed by the imminent "stop" to paper identity cards. However, a recent Government measure has introduced an extension that changes the game. Let us clarify what remains valid, until when, and what you should do right away.
The news: extension until 31 January 2027
With Decree-Law no. 108 of 26 June 2026 (published in the Official Gazette on 26 June 2026), the Government has established that unexpired paper identity cards may continue to be used within the national territory until 31 January 2027, for access to essential services and in dealings with the Public Administration.
The measure was introduced to manage the transition to the Electronic Identity Card (CIE), in implementation of EU Regulation 2025/1208, and to prevent citizens who do not yet have a CIE from being cut off from essential services.
The fixed point: no travel abroad after 3 August 2026
Beware, though: the extension applies only within Italy. For travel abroad, the deadline remains unchanged.
Please note: from 3 August 2026, the paper identity card is no longer valid for travel abroad, regardless of the expiry date printed on the document. To travel outside Italy you need a CIE or a passport.
What you can still do (and what you cannot) with the paper card
| Until 31 January 2027 you can still use it for… | From 3 August 2026 you can NO longer… |
|---|---|
| Health, social security and insurance services | Travel abroad |
| Bank and postal transactions, pension collection | Activate new digital identities (e.g. a new SPID) |
| Notifications and judicial documents | Sign new contracts |
| Dealings with the Public Administration and public service providers |
Two useful clarifications:
- Contractual relationships already in place, entered into by 3 August 2026 and in which the paper card was used for identification, remain valid until the natural expiry of the document.
- Digital identities (SPID) already active as of 3 August 2026 remain valid until the expiry of the card used to activate them.
From 1 February 2027, barring further developments, the paper card will no longer be valid even for essential services: you will need the CIE (or, for identification purposes only, a driving licence or passport).
The temporary document for urgent cases
The decree also provides for a temporary identity document, which can be issued by Municipalities in cases of documented urgency, valid for a maximum of six months and non-renewable. It will also be valid for travel abroad (bearing in mind that some foreign States may not recognise it) and may be requested until 31 December 2027. The operational procedures are currently being defined.
Dates to mark
- 3 August 2026 – no more use of the paper card for travel abroad, for new digital identities and new contracts; no more issuance of paper cards.
- 31 January 2027 – last day of validity of the paper card for essential services within Italy.
- 1 February 2027 – the CIE is required (or driving licence/passport for identification).
- 31 December 2027 – final deadline for the issuance of the temporary urgent document.
Our advice: don't wait, switch to the CIE
The extension is meant to avoid inconvenience, not to postpone the transition. Those who still have a paper card — even a valid one — would do well to apply for the CIE in good time, avoiding the last-minute rush at municipal offices.
GR Servizi books your appointment at the Municipality
The CIE is requested at the Municipality, but between portals, limited availability and slots that fill up quickly, booking an appointment can be frustrating. GR Servizi in Turin takes care of it for you: we book your appointment for the Electronic Identity Card at your Municipality, so you show up at the counter with the date, time and documents already sorted.
Sources: Decree-Law no. 108 of 26 June 2026 (art. 11) – Official Gazette of 26 June 2026 | EU Regulation 2025/1208 | Ministry of the Interior – implementing circulars. The matter is evolving: always check the updated instructions of your Municipality.
Foto di Van Tay Media su Unsplash