The carta d'identità is a document which shows your identity. In this article you can find out how to get it and what this document can do.
Where to get a Carta d'Identità
To get your Carta d'Identità you first need to register at the Registry Office “Anagrafe” of the town or city where you live or where your camp or center is. This procedure is called iscrizione anagrafica.
The Anagrafe will then issue your carta d'identità. This office needs to see your permesso di soggiorno to release a carta d'identità.
In most Comuni (municipalities) it is necessary to make an appointment to get your carta d'identità. We recommend you to check on the website of your Comune to learn about the procedure to a get carta d'identità and the documentation you need to provide.
If you need help, you can also drop us a private message on Facebook.
In some cases, for example if you are living in a reception centre, the facility may support you in obtaining a carta d’identità. You can ask the camp or centre manager for assistance.
What will my Carta d'Identità look like?
If you apply now, you will most likely get an electronic carta d'identità, similar to a credit card and not a paper document as it was in the past.
Important update: If you still have a paper carta d’identità, you must replace it with a Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE) before August 3, 2026.
In fact, paper identity cards are still valid only until August 3, 2026. After that date, they will no longer be accepted, even if their expiration date is later. This change is required under EU Regulation 1157/2019, as clarified by the Italian Ministry of the Interior through Circular No. 76 of October 13, 2025.
Asylum-Seekers and Holders of International Protection
According to Circular No. 22 of April 4, 2025, issued by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, both asylum-seekers and holders of protection can obtain a carta d’identità once properly registered at the Anagrafe (Registry Office).
To register, you can show either:
The receipt proving you filed your asylum application or valid permesso di soggiorno per richiesta asilo - if you are an Asylum seeker
Valid permesso di soggiorno for international protection if you hold international protection
You should register in the Comune where you actually live, which formally establishes your residence for administrative purposes. That's important because the municipality written on your card is responsible for any social benefits you apply for, including housing.
If your comune doesn't allow you to register for the iscrizione anagrafica, we suggest you contact the ASGI anti-discrimination service: +393515542008 – antidiscriminazione@asgi.it.
How long is the Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE) valid?
The duration of your carta di identità depends on the type of permesso you hold. The document itself is valid for:
- 3 years if you are an asylum-seeker
- 10 years if you hold any other type of permesso, but it does not mean you can legally stay in Italy for 10 years.
Remember that the amount of time you are allowed to stay in Italy depends on the type of permesso di soggiorno you have and not on the duration of your carta di identità. For example, if you have a 2-year casi speciali permit and a 10-year carta di identità it does not mean that you can legally stay in Italy for 10 years. You only have the right to stay legally in Italy for the duration of your permit, so 2 years in this case.
Can I travel with my carta d'identità?
Your ID only proves your identity and cannot be used as a valid document to travel outside Italy.
Besides, asylum-seekers are not allowed to travel outside the country while their asylum claim is still pending.
Learn more: Your right to travel
Where to get more information
Check out the Italian Ministry of the Interior's Carta D'Identita' Elettronica website.
You can also get more information on the website of the Comune where you live.
If you have any other questions, feel free to message us on Facebook and we'll try to support you.
Written by Refugee.info Italy Team