Italian National ID Card (CIE): Photo Requirements and Application Process

About the Italian Electronic Identity Card (CIE)

The Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE) is the official electronic identity document for Italian citizens. It serves as proof of identity and Italian citizenship, and is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. The CIE has replaced the old paper identity card.

What is it used for?

• Primary identification within Italy and EU/EEA
• Travel within EU/EEA countries (alternative to passport)
• Opening bank accounts and financial services
• Employment verification and administrative procedures
• Voting in elections and referendums
• Access to public services and benefits
• Digital authentication for online services
• Age verification for various services

How to Obtain an Italian CIE

Eligibility Requirements:

• Italian citizenship: By birth, descent, naturalization, or marriage
• Proof of identity: Valid Italian documents or witnesses
• Residence registration: Must be registered in Italian municipality

Required Documents:

For First-Time Adult Applicants:

1. Proof of Italian Citizenship:
   • Italian birth certificate, or
   • Certificate of Italian citizenship, or
   • Previous Italian passport or ID card
2. Proof of Residence: Certificate of residence (certificato di residenza)
3. CIE Photos: 1 passport-style photo meeting Italian specifications
4. Completed Application Form: Available at municipality offices
5. Revenue Stamps: €22.21 fee (includes €16.79 + €5.42 revenue stamp)

For Renewals:

1. Previous CIE or old ID card
2. CIE Photo: 1 recent photo meeting specifications
3. Completed Application Form
4. Proof of current residence
5. Fees: €22.21 renewal fee

For Minors (Under 18):

1. Child’s birth certificate
2. CIE photo of the child
3. Consent from both parents or legal guardians
4. Identity documents of both parents
5. Proof of residence

Application Process:

Step 1: Municipality Appointment

• Online Booking: Book appointment through municipality website
• Walk-in Service: Some municipalities accept walk-ins
• Required Information: Personal details and service type
• Appointment Confirmation: Receive confirmation details

Step 2: Document Preparation

• Gather Documents: Collect all required documentation
• Photo: Obtain compliant CIE photograph
• Forms: Complete application forms
• Payment: Prepare exact fee amount

Step 3: Municipality Office Visit

• Document Submission: Present all required documents
• Biometric Data: Provide fingerprints (for adults)
• Digital Photo: Additional photo may be taken
• Payment: Pay CIE fees
• Receipt: Receive application receipt

Step 4: Card Production and Collection

• Processing Time: Wait for CIE production
• Notification: Receive SMS/email when ready
• Collection: Pick up CIE at municipality office
• PIN Codes: Receive PIN and PUK codes for digital services

Processing Times:

• Standard processing: 6-12 working days
• Peak periods: May take longer during busy periods
• Urgent cases: Express service may be available
• Replacement: Similar timeframes for lost/stolen cards

Fees (2024):

• Adult CIE: €22.21 (includes all fees and stamps)
• Minor CIE: €22.21
• Replacement: €22.21
• Express service: Additional fees may apply

Photo Requirements for Italian CIE

Key Technical Specifications

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (standard passport format)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Light and uniform (white or light grey)
• Quality: High resolution, sharp focus, colour, no retouching
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Composition Requirements

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows on face or background

Italian CIE Standards

• Background: Plain light background, preferably white or light grey
• Glasses: Avoid if possible; if worn, no reflections, iris must be clearly visible
• Contact Lenses: Coloured contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons, face must be fully visible
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

Digital Authentication Features

• Biometric compatibility: Suitable for facial recognition systems
• Security integration: Compatible with CIE security features
• Digital services: Used for online authentication
• SPID integration: Compatible with Italian digital identity system

Common Photo Rejection Reasons

Technical Issues

• Incorrect dimensions: Not exactly 35×45 mm
• Poor resolution: Pixelated or low-quality images
• Wrong format: Black and white or sepia tones
• File problems: Corrupted or incompatible digital files

Composition Problems

• Face size: Height outside 32-36 mm range
• Positioning: Head not centered or tilted
• Background: Patterned, coloured, or uneven background
• Lighting: Shadows on face or background, uneven illumination

Appearance Issues

• Expression: Smiling, frowning, or inappropriate expression
• Eyes: Closed, looking away, or obscured by hair/glasses
• Glasses: Reflections, tinted lenses, or dark glasses
• Hair: Covering eyes or significant portion of face

Quality Problems

• Sharpness: Blurry or out-of-focus images
• Exposure: Over or under-exposed photographs
• Colour: Poor colour reproduction or saturation
• Age: Photos older than 6 months

Tips for Perfect CIE Photos

Professional Photography

• CIE photo specialists: Use photographers experienced with Italian requirements
• Equipment: Ensure proper lighting and background setup
• Verification: Confirm exact 35×45 mm dimensions
• Multiple copies: Get several copies for future use

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Camera Setup: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
2. Lighting: Natural daylight or professional lighting setup
3. Background: Plain white or light grey wall
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Dark colours for contrast with light background

Quality Assurance

• Measure dimensions: Verify exact 35×45 mm size
• Check face height: Ensure 32-36 mm measurement
• Review quality: Sharp focus and proper exposure
• Print quality: Use high-quality photo paper
• Recent photos: Ensure taken within 6 months

Application Locations

In Italy:

• Municipality Offices (Comune): Primary application centers
• Anagrafe Offices: Civil registry offices
• Delegated Offices: Some authorized third-party locations

Digital Services:

• Municipality Websites: Appointment booking and information
• CIE Portal: Official information and services
• SPID Integration: Digital identity services

CIE Renewal Process

When to Renew:

• Before expiration: Can renew up to 180 days before expiry
• Expired card: Can renew after expiration
• Damaged card: Immediate replacement recommended
• Address changes: Update required for address changes

Renewal Requirements:

• Previous CIE: Original electronic ID card
• New photo: Meeting current specifications
• Updated documents: Recent proof of residence
• Application form: Completed renewal form
• Fees: Current renewal fees

Simplified Renewal:

• Same personal details: Streamlined process if no changes
• Online booking: Preferred appointment method
• Biometric update: New fingerprints required for adults

Special Circumstances

Lost or Stolen CIE:

• Police report: File with Carabinieri or local police immediately
• Declaration: Complete loss/theft declaration at municipality
• Replacement fee: €22.21 for replacement
• New application: Full application process required

Address Changes:

• Notification: Must notify municipality of address changes
• Documentation: Proof of new residence required
• Update process: May require new CIE or data update
• Timeframes: Must be done within specified periods

Digital Services Setup:

• PIN codes: Receive PIN and PUK codes with CIE
• SPID registration: Can use CIE for digital identity services
• Online authentication: Access to government digital services
• Mobile app: CieID app for smartphone authentication

CIE vs Passport Comparison

CIE Advantages:

• Lower cost: €22.21 vs higher passport fees
• EU/EEA travel: Valid for European travel
• Digital services: Access to online government services
• Primary ID: Main identification document in Italy

Passport Advantages:

• Global travel: Valid worldwide
• Visa applications: Required for most visa applications
• International recognition: Universally accepted
• Longer validity: 10 years vs 10 years (same for adults)

Benefits of Italian CIE

EU/EEA Rights:

• Free movement: Travel and residence throughout EU/EEA
• Work authorization: Employment rights in EU countries
• Healthcare access: European Health Insurance Card eligibility
• Educational opportunities: Study rights across Europe

Digital Services:

• SPID access: Italian digital identity system
• Government services: Online access to public services
• Banking: Digital banking authentication
• Healthcare: Access to digital health services

Security Features:

• Biometric data: Fingerprints for adults
• RFID chip: Contactless technology
• Security elements: Advanced anti-counterfeiting features
• Digital certificates: Cryptographic security

Need perfect photos for your Italian CIE? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all official Italian requirements for quick approval.