Identity Card and persons over 70: new developments

For citizens who have already reached the age of 70, there is an important new development concerning the Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE). As of 30 July 2026, the CIE issued to persons who have reached this age is no longer subject to the ordinary expiry period applicable to document renewal.

The change applies to persons who are at least 70 years old at the time they apply for the card. For them, the new Carta d’Identità Elettronica will have unlimited validity, meaning that it will no longer be necessary to renew it periodically. This change simplifies document management, particularly for older people, by avoiding the need to repeat the renewal procedure at predetermined intervals.

The new rule does not, however, result in the loss of the possibility of using the CIE as a valid document for travelling abroad. Even in the version intended for persons over 70, the card may continue to be used for international travel, in accordance with the ordinary conditions applicable to documents valid for travel abroad.

Unlimited validity does not apply to all CIE functions

The new provision must nevertheless be interpreted correctly, because the term “unlimited” does not mean that every function associated with the Carta d’Identità Elettronica remains active without any time limit.

A particularly important distinction concerns digital identification. The CIE may be used to access the online services of the pubblica amministrazione and other services that provide for authentication through the electronic document. For this specific function, the validity period remains set at 10 years. Once this period has elapsed, anyone wishing to continue using the card to access digital services will have to apply for a new CIE. In this case, the previous card will have to be revoked.

A similar time limit also applies to the use of the CIE at airports’ automated electronic gates, the so-called “e-Gates”. Here too, the functionality remains valid for 10 years. At the end of this period, the card will nevertheless retain its validity as a document for travelling abroad; however, border checks will have to be carried out according to the traditional procedures, with the intervention of border-control officers.

How the new expiry date will be indicated

The special validity period of the CIE intended for persons over 70 will be indicated directly on the document. In fact, on new cards issued from 30 July 2026 onwards, the field normally dedicated to the expiry date will contain the wording “ILLIMITATA”.

This will make it immediately clear that the document is not subject to the usual expiry date. It remains important, however, to distinguish the validity of the card as an identity document from the individual electronic functions associated with the CIE, which may have different periods of validity.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.