An extension until September 25, 2027, has been granted for the use of old police ID cards; however, the measure does not restore their full validity. Old ID cards will continue to be accepted only for specific remote electronic identification procedures, not as general proof of identity or as a travel document.

The relevant ministerial decision, published in the Government Gazette of September 30, 2024, provides that old police ID cards may be used until September 25, 2027, in electronic identification procedures linked to the issuance of trust service certificates.

The extension applies exclusively to cases requiring remote verification of information and does not mean old ID cards remain valid for all transactions. Citizens should be aware that the old ID card cannot be used for all public services, nor as a travel document.

Which old ID cards are covered by the regulation?

The extension applies to old police-issued ID cards on which the holder’s full name is also printed in Latin characters. Acceptance is limited to the specific electronic procedures set out in the ministerial decision.

The regulation also covers identification cards issued to Armed Forces and Security Forces personnel, as well as residence permits held by third-country nationals, provided they remain valid. The decision was taken to address delays in the issuance of new ID cards, as many citizens have yet to complete the replacement process.

When will old ID cards be permanently phased out?

The complete phase-out of old ID cards for transactions with the state is expected to be completed by September 2027. After that date, old ID cards will no longer be accepted by government agencies, and citizens will need to hold the new ID card.

What you need, to obtain the new ID card

To obtain the new police ID card, applicable fees must be paid before visiting the police station. The basic online fee is 10 euros and covers the cost of issuing, printing, personalising, and securely transporting the new ID card.

For families with multiple children, a reduced fee of 5 euros applies upon presentation of the necessary supporting documents; a Greek Police stamp worth 0.50 euros is also required.

How does the issuance process work?

The process begins with an online appointment at the competent Issuing Authority, based on the citizen’s residential address or temporary residence. If no appointments are available in the area of interest, the citizen may choose a different police station.

Citizens must appear in person at the police station, where the application is processed and the information retrieved from the Citizens’ Registry (the national civil records database) or the municipal registry is verified.

The photo can be taken either at the issuing office or by a certified photographer through the myPhoto platform on gov.gr, the government’s official digital services portal. If a photographer is used, the citizen receives a special code linked to their Tax Identification Number (AFM), allowing the photo to be retrieved by the issuing agency.