Greece is entering a new era of identification, as the new digital ID cards are gradually being introduced into citizens’ daily lives and replacing the old-type identity documents.

Citizens are urged to be informed in time about deadlines, costs, and the steps required to issue the new documents, which feature enhanced security characteristics and modern digital capabilities.

When the old IDs expire

Based on EU Regulation 2019/1157, identity cards without a machine-readable zone cease to be valid from August 3, 2026. This effectively means that those still holding old-type documents have a specific time window to replace them with the new digital ID cards.

The new IDs incorporate advanced security systems, while also supporting modern digital functions that facilitate transactions and citizen identification.

Cost of issuing the new ID

The total issuance cost remains relatively low for citizens. A €10 electronic fee (code 4485) is required, covering the production, printing, personalization, and secure transport of the document.

For large families, a reduced fee of €5 applies via fee code 4486, provided the relevant supporting document (such as a large-family certificate) is submitted.

Additionally, a €0.50 police stamp is required, which is attached to the application.

It is important that the electronic fees are paid before the citizen visits the police station.

The new appointment system

The introduction of the Personal Number, for which an extension has been granted until November for citizens who wish to choose the initial digits, is expected to significantly increase demand for new ID cards.

For this reason, the Ministry of Digital Governance has developed a new electronic appointment scheduling system, which, according to Minister Dimitris Papastergiou, aims both to facilitate citizens and to relieve pressure on police stations facing increased workload.

How to book an appointment

The appointment process for issuing the new ID card is carried out digitally and includes simple steps.

The citizen selects online the competent issuing authority based on their permanent or temporary residence, as well as the available date and time that suits them.

Personal data is automatically retrieved from the Citizens Registry and the National Communication Registry, significantly reducing bureaucracy.

If contact details are not up to date, the applicant can update them either on the spot or during the application process.

After completion, an electronic confirmation message is sent with all necessary information and contact details of the issuing authority.

The appointment can be canceled or changed up to one hour before the scheduled time, while the platform sends electronic reminders before the service date.

What applies in case of loss or theft

A different procedure applies in cases of loss or theft of an ID card. In these cases, the citizen must contact by phone the competent issuing authority in their area in order to schedule an immediate appointment for a replacement document.

This process is designed to ensure faster service in urgent cases.

New IDs: When the old ones stop being valid, what changes with the new digital versions

Differences from old IDs

The new digital IDs differ significantly from the old police identity cards, as they include several new features and improvements. First, their format has changed, as they are now the size of a credit card (ID-1) and made of durable material (polycarbonate), which provides greater resistance to wear.

They include full name, parents’ names, place and date of birth, gender, nationality, ID number, issue and expiry date, as well as the holder’s signature. The color photograph appears in high resolution and includes biometric features for enhanced security.

One of the key new features is the embedded RFID chip, making each ID unique and electronically verifiable. This chip does not include any geolocation capability. The new IDs also include a QR code enabling instant identity verification, while special printing technologies and security features such as optically variable elements make forgery or tampering extremely difficult.

The new IDs are valid for 10 years, unlike the old ones which were of indefinite validity.