The Electronic Identity card (CIE) is an identification document used to verify a person’s identity and to travel through the EU Member States and some Schengen Countries (i.e. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) and other States in which bilateral international agreements are in force (please visit each Country tab on www.viaggiaresicuri.it).
In order to obtain the electronic ID card (CIE) through the Consulate General of Italy in Syndey, you will require to book an appointment, through the PRENOT@MI platform.
The CIE can only be issued to Italian citizens regularly residing in New South Wales, who are already registered in AIRE (Register of Italians living abroad).
As of June 1st 2026, Italian citizens residing abroad (AIRE) may also apply for the CIE at any Italian municipality, as stipulated by Law no. 11 of January 19, 2026.
Starting August 3rd 2026, the paper version of the identity card will no longer be valid to travel abroad, regardless of the expiry date printed on the back. From that date, the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) will be the only version valid for international travel.
For citizens aged seventy or older, the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) issued on or after July 30th 2026, will have unlimited validity. However, this unlimited validity does not apply in the following cases:
– Digital identification using the CIE: this remains subject to a ten-year validity period;
– Access to automated electronic gates at airports: the CIE will have a ten-year validity period. Once this period expires, a visual check of the identity card will be performed for border crossing.
Validity
The validity of the identity card varies depending on the applicant’s age:
- 3 years for children under the age of 3;
- 5 years for minors aged between 3 and 18 years old;
- 10 years for adults (over 18 years of age)
Application procedure
The CIE application must be submitted through the Prenot@MI platform only.
Prior to the booking, if you have changed your residential address it is necessary to update it via the portal FAST IT.
The physical presence of the applicant is mandatory on the day of the appointment, as biometric data will collected on the day of the appointment.
Required documentation for adults:
- Current or previous Italian ID card (even if expired) or current Italian passport;
- PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the applicant has no ID documents (italian or foreign), they will need to be accompanied by two witnesses. Two witnesses will also be required when applying for the release of the CIE for minors who have no other identity documents;
- Photos are NOT required as they will be taken on the day of the appointment.
Required documentation for minors:
- Current or previous Italian ID card (even if expired) or current Italian passport;
- If only one of the parents is present on the day of the appointment with the minor child, they will have to provide the consent form signed by the other parent. Parental consent is mandatory whether you are single, de facto, married, separated or divorced;
- Photographs are required ONLY for children under the age of 5;
- If one of the parents is deceased, a copy of their death certificate must be submitted;
PLEASE NOTE: MINORS MUST BE PRESENT AT THE APPOINTMENT FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THE CIE (Electronic Identity Card).
Loss/Stolen and found identity cards
- Please report immediately the incident to the NSW Police and make note of the report number;
- Complete the specific form reporting lost/stolen CIE and submit it in person at the Consulate General, bringing with you another another form of identification.
Cost
Payment must be made on the day of the appointment by debit card or cash. For the CIE application fee, please refer to the Consular Fees page.
Delivery of the identity card
The CIE will be delivered by ordinary post directly to the applicant’s residential address.
In case of missed delivery, the item may be claimed at the local post office; after which, it will be returned to this Consulate General where it can be collected.
Last Updated: 06/08/2026