National ID card renewal in Romania
Renewing a Romanian National ID card, known as an 'Carte de Identitate', involves submitting an application at a public community service for population records (SPCLEP) office. The process requires specific documents and photos.
It is generally recommended to initiate the renewal process within 180 days (approximately 6 months) before the expiration date of the current ID card. This allows ample time for scheduling appointments, gathering necessary documents, and accounting for processing times, which can sometimes extend due to demand or specific circumstances.
Start 15 days ahead
Standard processing times for a new ID card are often quoted as 15 working days, though this can vary depending on the specific SPCLEP office and workload. Urgent procedures may be available in some locations for an additional fee or specific circumstances.
The process
- 1Gather all required documents, including the expiring ID card, proof of address, and civil status documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree if applicable).
- 2Obtain recent, standard-sized identification photos as specified by the authority, or be prepared to have photos taken at the office if available.
- 3Pay the applicable fee for the new ID card. This can often be done at the SPCLEP office or a designated local payment point.
- 4Visit a local Serviciul Public Comunitar de Evidență a Persoanelor (SPCLEP) office. An appointment may be required or highly recommended in some localities; confirm this in advance.
- 5Submit the application form and all supporting documents to the SPCLEP officer.
- 6Attend the interview and provide biometric data (fingerprints, if required for the new card type, and signature).
- 7Return to the SPCLEP office on the specified date to pick up the new National ID card.
What to bring
- Current National ID card (Carte de Identitate) which is expiring or expired.
- Birth certificate (certificat de naștere), original.
- Marriage certificate (certificat de căsătorie), if applicable, original.
- Divorce decree (sentință de divorț) or death certificate of spouse, if applicable, original.
- Proof of legal domicile (dovada adresei de domiciliu), original, such as a property deed, rental agreement, or declaration of consent from the property owner.
- Proof of payment of the fee for issuing the identity document.
- Recent, standard-sized identification photos (verify specific requirements with the SPCLEP office, as some offices take photos on site).
Who handles it
Direcția pentru Evidența Persoanelor și Administrarea Bazelor de Date (DEPABD) / Directorate for Persons' Records and Databases Administration, through local Serviciul Public Comunitar de Evidență a Persoanelor (SPCLEP) / Public Community Service for Population Records offices.
https://depabd.mai.gov.ro/carte-de-identitate/
The fee for issuing a new National ID card (Carte de Identitate) is typically a nominal amount, such as 7 RON. Confirm the current fee with the specific SPCLEP office or on their official website, as minor variations or additional fees for urgent processing may apply.
What commonly goes wrong
- Verify if an appointment is necessary at the chosen SPCLEP office before visiting, as walk-in services may be limited or require long waits.
- Ensure all civil status documents (birth, marriage, divorce) are originals, as copies are generally not accepted.
- Confirm the exact photo specifications with the local SPCLEP or be prepared for photos to be taken at the office, if offered.
- Be aware that processing times can vary, and it is advisable to start the renewal process well in advance of the expiration date.
Sources
Other documents in Romania
National ID card renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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