Romania's electronic identity card (CEI): how to get one
In short
The electronic identity card (CEI) holds biometric data and works both as an identity document and as a travel document within the European Union, as well as for authentication with online public services. Applications are filed at any personal records service (SPCLEP) in the country, exclusively with an online appointment on hub.mai.gov.ro, and the cost is 70 lei — the PNRR-funded free issuance of the first electronic card ended on 30 June 2026.
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The electronic identity card is the most visible change in Romanian documents in decades: a bank-card-sized card with a chip, biometric data and digital certificates, aligned with European standards. Issuance began as a pilot in Cluj and expanded nationwide, and the PNRR-funded free period — which ended on 30 June 2026 — put it in millions of wallets already.
CEI or CIS: which do you choose?
At the counter you have two options:
- CEI (electronic, with chip) — 70 lei: identity document + EU travel document + online authentication. Can be requested at any personal records service in the country.
- CIS (simple, no chip) — 40 lei: only the classic identity function; issued only at your home-county service.
For most people the CEI is the practical choice — the price difference is small, and the electronic functions grow more useful as institutions move services online.
Booking tips
Appointment slots fill quickly in big cities. Two useful tricks: check services in smaller nearby towns too (you can apply anywhere in the country), and confirm the booking e-mail immediately — the link expires in 30 minutes and unconfirmed appointments cancel automatically.
Steps to follow
- Book online. Appointments are made exclusively on the hub.mai.gov.ro platform (the CEI section): pick the county, the personal records service and the slot. Important: you receive a confirmation e-mail that must be validated within 30 minutes, or the appointment cancels automatically.
- Prepare the documents and pay the fee. You need your current identity document, the birth certificate (where requested for your situation) and proof of the 70 lei payment. Payment can be made online via ghiseul.ro or per the instructions of the service you booked.
- Submit the application in person, with biometrics. At the counter, your facial photo, two fingerprints and handwritten signature are captured — which is why personal presence is mandatory. You can apply at any personal records service in the country, regardless of residence (rule in force since 1 August 2025).
- Collect the new electronic card. On issue you receive the electronic card together with the PIN/PUK codes for the digital certificate on the chip, used for online authentication and, in time, for the electronic signature tied to your identity.
Required documents
- Your current identity document (the old ID card), if any
- Birth certificate — requested in certain situations (first ID card, civil status changes)
- Proof of your home address, where applicable
- Proof of payment of the card fee — 70 lei
Costs
| What you pay | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic identity card (CEI) | 70 lei | The PNRR free issuance of the first CEI (14+) applied until 30 June 2026 |
| Simple identity card (CIS), without chip | 40 lei | Alternative for those who do not want the electronic document; issued only at your home-county service |
Fees change over time. Always check the current amounts on the official websites listed under “Official sources”.
How long it takes
Submitting takes minutes, with an appointment. Issuance times differ between services depending on volume — you find out at submission; appointment availability varies a lot between localities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel in the EU with just the electronic ID card?
Yes. The CEI is a travel document in EU states and other countries that accept the Romanian identity card, just like the current ID — with the benefit of European biometric standards. For the rest of the world you still need a passport.
What happens to my old identity card?
It stays valid until the expiry date printed on it. Replacement happens gradually, at expiry or on request; under the EU regulation on identity documents, old chipless models leave circulation by August 2031 at the latest.
Am I obliged to take the chip version?
No. You can opt for the simple identity card (CIS), without chip, at 40 lei — but it is issued only by the personal records service of your home county and offers no electronic functions (online authentication, digital certificate).
Can I get an electronic ID card for my child?
Yes, the CEI can be issued from birth, at the parents' request, and can serve as the child's EU travel document. Validity is shorter at young ages (progressive periods: roughly 2 years for the youngest, then 4, 5 and 10 years, and unlimited validity after 70, per current rules).
What is the chip actually for?
The chip stores the identification data, photo and fingerprints, plus digital certificates: with them you authenticate to online public services (such as ANAF's SPV or the MAI platforms) without counter visits, and in time the card will also support electronic signatures.