If you have resided in Italy for any length of time and/or are an Italian citizen, you have most likely heard of Italy’s digital ID system to simplify bureaucratic procedures. SPID was the original form of ID available, but now CIE has been introduced, credentials tied to one’s Italian identity card. There has been an important update for this in 2026, so in the below article, we lay out the differences between CIE and SPID, how to obtain CIE, and the greater flexibility now for Italian citizens living abroad.
Why might you need a digital ID in Italy?
A digital identity can be used for a wide variety of bureaucratic services in Italy, including taxes and other financial related documents on the Agenzie delle Entrate’s website; health records, exams, and appointments; education registration, governmental “bonuses”, or financial compensation in certain areas; and immigration. As more and more of such offices move away from in-person appointments to an online infrastructure, it becomes even more important - not to mention convenient - to have a digital ID.
Carta d’Identità Elettronica and Sistema Pubblico d’Identità Digitale
The CIE and SPID essentially provide a person with the same thing: online credentials to access bureaucratic services. One can even have both a CIE and a SPID, though Italian citizens living abroad might find a CIE easier to maintain and manage. This is because SPID is provided by a third-party service (e.g. the phone company TIM or Poste Italiane), and so customer service can be more problematic for those living abroad. That said, there are some providers that allow verification to occur outside of Italy.
On the other hand, CIE credentials come from one’s carta d’identità, an identity document that can obtained/renewed either within Italy at a municipality or outside of Italy at a consulate. When applying for or renewing your carta d’identità, you will receive one half of a code, and then the other half will arrive with your physical card. Using this code, you can establish the online credentials for CIE.
Both services are essentially the same, but as mentioned, CIE might be more convenient for those residing abroad. And, as discussed below, as of 2026 it has become even easier for these people.
How to request CIE
To request your CIE, you will need to present the following documents to either your local municipality or your nearest Italian consulate: Recent passport photo; A valid ID document (this could include your old carta d’identità if renewing); Codice fiscal; Payment of €16.79 (if in Italy) or €21.95 (if outside of Italy).
Be sure to check local requirements. You will also be fingerprinted at your appointment.
The card will be valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for children between 3 and 18, and 3 years for children under 3.
The 2026 change for Italians living abroad
As of June 1, 2026, Italians residing abroad will now have the opportunity to request their CIE at any municipality in Italy, as opposed to only their Italian consulate. The card can either be picked up in person at the municipality or shipped to the person’s foreign address. This provides much greater flexibility for Italians in A.I.R.E. to obtain their CIE.
Italian Citizenship Assistance is here to help
Italian Citizenship Assistance is happy to offer comprehensive services related to relocating and residing in Italy. Whether it’s citizenship applications, visa paperwork filing, or the ins and outs of settling into Italian life, they are here to help. Visit them online at www.italiancitizenshipassistance.com or contact them today at [email protected].
