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Guides · Croatia

National ID card renewal in Croatia

Written from published rules on 26 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova (Ministry of the Interior).

Renewing a Croatian national ID card involves submitting an application and required documents in person at a police department or station, typically before the card's expiration. The new card will be produced and can be collected after a processing period.

Your timing

It is generally advisable to apply for a new ID card a few weeks or months before the current one expires. This allows for sufficient time to schedule an appointment (if necessary), process the application, and receive the new card, preventing any period where one might be without a valid ID.

Start 30 days ahead

This lead time accounts for potential appointment scheduling, the standard processing time for the new card, and any unforeseen delays. Expedited procedures might be available for an additional fee.

The process

  1. 1Gather all necessary documents, including the expiring or expired ID card and a photograph meeting specified requirements.
  2. 2Visit the nearest police department or station responsible for administrative affairs in person.
  3. 3Submit the application form and required documents to the official.
  4. 4Pay the administrative fee for the new ID card. Payment methods can vary by location.
  5. 5Collect the new ID card at the designated time and location (usually the same police department or station where the application was submitted) once notified of its readiness.

What to bring

  • Previous national ID card (expiring or expired)
  • One photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm) that meets specific criteria (e.g., clear, high-quality, color, plain background, frontal view of the face without head covering, unless for religious reasons and face is fully visible).
  • Proof of identity (if the old ID card is lost, stolen, or severely damaged, and its data cannot be confirmed)
  • Proof of payment of the administrative fee (if paid separately before application)

Who handles it

Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova (Ministry of the Interior)

https://mup.gov.hr/osobna-iskaznica-eoi/275681

The cost for a new Croatian national ID card (e-ID card) for persons 18 to 70 years old is typically 20.00 EUR for the regular procedure, and 29.30 EUR for an expedited procedure where the card is issued within three business days. For persons under 18 or over 70, the cost is usually 19.90 EUR for the regular procedure. These fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the Ministry of the Interior or the police department at the time of application.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure the photograph meets the exact specifications; non-compliant photos are a common reason for application delays.
  • Be aware that children (under 18) and adults over 70 have different validity periods and sometimes different fees for their ID cards.
  • Confirm payment methods accepted at the specific police department, as some may only accept card payments or specific payment slips.
  • The process requires a personal visit, as fingerprints are collected for biometric data.

Sources

Other documents in Croatia

National ID card renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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