Italian Electronic ID Card (CIE) in the UK (2025): Eligibility, Documents, Booking & Uses
What the CIE is, who can apply from the UK, which documents you need, how the consular appointment works, and how to use CIE ID for Italian digital services.
This page focuses on requirements, documents and how the CIE appointment works for people living in the UK. It’s informational only and doesn’t replace official consulate instructions.
Need hands-on help reviewing your documents or finding an appointment? We offer an optional CIE/passport support service with clear, upfront pricing.
1. What is the CIE and where do you apply from the UK?
The Italian Electronic ID Card (CIE) is Italy’s electronic identity document. If you live in the UK, you normally apply at the consulate responsible for your area, once your AIRE registration is correct.
Which consulate covers you?
Broadly: London (most of England & Wales), Manchester (North of England & parts of the Midlands), Edinburgh (Scotland & Northern Ireland). Always double-check the latest map on your consulate’s site.
AIRE first, CIE second
Almost all consulates expect your AIRE registration and UK address to be correct before they’ll process a CIE application. If you’re not sure, fix AIRE first. If you need support:
2. Who can apply?
In general, you can apply for the CIE if you:
- is an Italian citizen correctly registered with AIRE at the consulate covering your UK address;
- is an adult or minor (minors usually need parental consent);
- doesn’t have unresolved vital registrations (birth, marriage, divorce) that the consulate asks you to fix first.
3. CIE vs passport (quick comparison)
| Feature | CIE (Electronic ID Card) | Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | ID in Italy/EU; some European travel. | International travel and main document abroad. |
| Digital services | Yes, via CIE ID for many public-service portals. | No. |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and photo usually required (with exceptions for young children). | Fingerprints and photo always required. |
| Validity | Adults 10 years; minors 5 years; under-3s: 3 years. | Adults 10 years; minors 5 years. |
| Apply from the UK | At the competent consulate, with AIRE up to date. | At the competent consulate, with AIRE up to date. |
4. Required documents (adults)
Exact requirements vary by consulate; always compare this table with the official list on your consulate’s website.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Italian ID / passport | Your current Italian passport or ID card. If it’s expired or damaged, check your consulate’s guidance. |
| AIRE status | AIRE registration updated at the correct consulate, with your UK address correctly recorded (check via FAST IT). |
| UK proof of address | Recent document in your name (or clearly linked), for example bank statement, utility bill or council tax, usually dated within the last few months. |
| Biometric photos | Typically 2 photos 35×45 mm, light background, neutral expression, no glare on glasses. Ask explicitly for “Italian CIE/passport biometric photos”. |
| Consular forms | Application and information forms downloaded from your consulate’s website, printed and signed. |
| Fee | Amount set in the quarterly consular tariff table, payable in GBP. The method (card, cash, postal order) depends on your consulate. |
| Appointment proof | Print-out or screenshot of your Prenot@Mi booking and any confirmation emails. |
Name or surname changes (marriage, divorce, deed poll) often require original certificates and for the change to be registered in Italy/AIRE first. If a document is lost or stolen, the consulate may also ask for a UK police report and extra ID.
Struggling with AIRE or proof of address?
If you’ve just moved and don’t have bills yet, our guide on proof of address without bills (2025) walks through alternative documents and templates you can use. Proof of address without bills (2025).
5. Minors (under 18)
Rules are stricter for minors. Plan ahead, especially if one parent cannot attend.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Parental consent | Usually both parents must sign and/or attend. Some consulates accept notarised consent or consular declarations if one parent cannot be present. |
| Birth certificate | Long-form birth certificate with parents’ names, especially for first issuance or where details are not fully registered in Italy. |
| AIRE & vital registrations | Italian parent(s) and child should be properly registered with AIRE, with birth (and marriage/divorce where relevant) transcribed in Italy. |
| Photos | 2 biometric photos (same specs as adults). For babies and young children, use a photographer familiar with passport-style photos. |
| Fees & validity | Fees differ by age group; validity is usually shorter than for adults (3 or 5 years). Check your consulate’s table. |
If parents are separated or there are particular custody arrangements, read your consulate’s guidance carefully and allow extra time for any court or consent documents.
6. Booking & appointment day
Most consulates now use Prenot@Mi for CIE bookings. The usual flow:
- create a personal account with your details and email;
- select your consulate and the “Carta d’Identità / ID card” service (or similar);
- choose a date/time and confirm the booking (some posts also require email confirmation);
- save a screenshot or print of the booking page and any confirmation emails.
Slots always gone? Read the full Prenot@Mi guide
Our long-form Prenot@Mi & appuntamenti consolari nel Regno Unito (2025) explains slot-release patterns, how to avoid account blocks, and realistic expectations when calendars look empty.
Before you leave home
- Check you have all originals and copies together in one folder.
- Bring the payment method requested by your consulate.
- Arrive early — security checks can take time.
At the consulate
- Entry with security checks and registration at reception.
- Documents checked at the desk; missing items can mean a new appointment.
- Fingerprints and photo taken (usually age 12+).
After the appointment
- The CIE is sent by post/courier or made available for collection, depending on the consulate.
- Keep receipts and tracking numbers until you have the card in hand.
- Check all personal details immediately and report any errors.
7. Practical uses of the CIE (EU ID & digital services)
The CIE is more than just a plastic card: it also unlocks digital identity for Italian public services.
- Identity document in Italy and many EU/Schengen countries (always check local rules).
- Login to Italian public-sector websites with CIE ID (an alternative or complement to SPID).
- Useful for banking, work and renting when an up-to-date Italian ID document is requested.
To use the CIE online you usually need an NFC-enabled smartphone and the CIE ID app. Follow the official activation steps on the site.
8. Common issues (and fixes)
Here are common problems we see and how they’re usually handled:
- AIRE not updated → Update via FAST IT first and wait for confirmation from the consulate before booking.
- Wrong jurisdiction → Apply only at the consulate responsible for your registered address.
- Photo specs wrong → Ask explicitly for 35×45 mm Italian biometric document photos.
- Minor consent issues → Check your consulate’s rules: signatures from both parents or notarised documents are often needed.
- Name changes not registered → Have marriage/divorce/deed-poll changes registered in Italy first, then apply for the CIE with updated details.
9. Official links & more Resinaro guides
Official links
10. FAQs
Can I have both CIE and passport?
Yes. Many people keep both: the CIE is convenient as an ID in Europe and for digital login; the passport remains your main document for wider international travel.
Is CIE enough for travel?
For many trips to Italy and some EU/Schengen countries it may be enough, but you must always check the airline and destination rules. For most non-EU destinations, a passport is required.
How long does the CIE take from the UK?
It depends on the consulate and delivery method. In many cases it takes a few weeks from the appointment date; if additional checks are needed or demand is high, it can take longer.
Want personalised help checking your CIE documents, AIRE status or booking options?
We’re an independent service, not a consulate. We help you prepare and understand the process; final decisions always rest with the Italian authorities.