Greece will enter the era of new, modern identity cards with strong security features from Monday, September 25. In particular, the electronic platform where citizens can enter and submit a request for the issuance of a new identity card is expected to be “uploaded” to gov.gr tomorrow.

Specifically, those interested will go to gov.gr and make an appointment for the issuance of the new card at a Police Department and then the appointment will be confirmed by sending an SMS to their mobile phone and email. Then the citizens will go to the Police Department for the issuance process and within 7 to 10 days they will be notified by sms to go pick up their new ID.

A total of 367 points for issuing new police identity cards will operate throughout the country, while the operation of 60 portable staircases is planned, aimed at prisoners, hospitalized patients, the elderly and the disabled with serious accessibility problems.

The cost of issuing the new identity card is 10 euros, which will be paid through an electronic Government receipt. For the cases of issuing an identity card due to the loss or damage of the applicant’s previous card, an additional electronic State fee of 9.00 Euros will be paid, exactly as it is today.

The new identity cards will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue, just as it is today. The duration of validity is a measure that ensures the reliability of the identity card, as physiognomic changes occur in the face of the holder over a period of 10 years. At the same time, the validity period of 10 years is the maximum possible period allowed by the European Regulation and recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

It is recalled that the old identity cards cease to be valid on August 3, 2026, according to Regulation (EU) 2019/1157, as they do not have a machine readable zone (MRZ).

The information included in the new identity card

The following information will be printed on the new identity card:

Front side: Owner’s photo, Identity card number, Surname, First name, Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality, Date Edition, Date Expiration, Issuing Authority, Owner’s Signature.

Back side: Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Place of Birth, Blood Type (optional), Height (mandatory from 24 years). If it is decided, a space has been provided to print the Personal Citizen Number.

Intact storage includes:

  • Photo of owner in digital format
  • Machine readable zone data
  • Two fingerprints
  • Father’s last name
  • Mother’s last name
  • Municipality of registration and census number
  • Place of issue

The special features of the new identity card

  • The new ID card measures 85.6mm ± 0.75mm * 54.0mm ± 0.75mm and is made of polycarbonate material.
  • The new identity card of Greek citizens is made of polycarbonate material and is in ID1 format, credit card type, in accordance with ICAO international standards and the country’s legal obligations.
  • Printing method. Printing is done by laser engraving. All the details as well as the color photo are laser printed on the inner layer of the ID card making any attempt at forgery impossible.
  • It incorporates modern security measures that enhance security and prevent counterfeiting attempts.
  • Includes machine readable zone (MRZ)
  • It integrates an electronic storage medium, which works contactless.