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Guides · Finland

National ID card renewal in Finland

Written from published rules on 28 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Poliisi (Finnish Police).

Renewing a Finnish national identity card involves submitting an application through the Finnish Police, either online or in person. The process requires a valid passport photo and may involve a visit to a service point for biometric verification.

Your timing

It is generally recommended to start the renewal process at least four to six weeks before the current card expires. This accounts for administrative processing times and potential wait times for appointments at police service points.

Start 45 days ahead

Standard processing typically takes a few weeks, but seasonal variations in application volume can occur.

The process

  1. 1Obtain a digital passport photo from a photographer that is sent directly to the police's server, or have an existing photo code from a previous application.
  2. 2Fill out the application form on the official police website or visit a police service point to apply in person.
  3. 3Pay the application fee via the online portal or at the service point.
  4. 4Check if a personal visit is required for fingerprints or identity verification; if so, book an appointment online.
  5. 5Receive notification when the card is ready for collection at a designated service point or via authorized delivery.
  6. 6Collect the new identity card by presenting valid identification.

What to bring

  • Digital passport photo code
  • Current identity card (to be surrendered or verified)
  • Payment method
  • Proof of appointment (if applicable)

Who handles it

Poliisi (Finnish Police)

https://poliisi.fi/en/identity-card

Fees are subject to change and are set by government decree; current pricing should be verified on the official Poliisi website.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Photos must meet strict official requirements and must be sent to the server no more than six months prior to the application.
  • Failure to collect the card within the specified timeframe may result in it being returned or destroyed.
  • Name changes or changes in personal details must be updated in the Population Information System before applying for a new card.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

Other documents in Finland

National ID card renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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