National ID card renewal in Slovakia
Renewing a Slovak National ID card (Občiansky preukaz) typically involves applying in person at a relevant department of the Police Force. The process includes submitting necessary documents and providing biometric data.
It is generally advisable to initiate the renewal process well in advance of the ID card's expiration date. This allows for sufficient time to schedule an appointment, prepare required documents, and account for the processing period, which can be several weeks depending on the chosen delivery speed.
Start 30 days ahead
This lead time accounts for standard processing times for ID card issuance. There are options for expedited processing for an additional fee.
The process
- 1Gather all required documents, including the expiring or expired ID card and a document proving identity if the ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- 2Visit a department of the Police Force (oddelenie dokladov okresného riaditeľstva Policajného zboru) in Slovakia authorized to issue ID cards. Citizens living abroad can apply at a Slovak diplomatic mission, though this process may differ and take longer.
- 3Submit the application in person. During the application, biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) will be taken.
- 4Pay the administrative fee for the new ID card. Expedited processing options are available for an additional fee.
- 5You will be informed when the new ID card is ready for collection, typically at the same office where the application was submitted. Alternatively, delivery by post is an option for certain situations and for an extra fee.
- 6Collect the new national ID card, presenting the old ID card for invalidation if it was not already collected during the application.
What to bring
- Expiring or expired national ID card (občiansky preukaz)
- For lost, stolen, or damaged cards: a document proving identity (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or another valid ID like a passport)
- For changes in personal data (e.g., name change): documents confirming the change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificate with corrected data)
- If applying through a Slovak diplomatic mission abroad, additional documents might be required; it is advisable to confirm directly with the specific mission.
Who handles it
Ministerstvo vnútra Slovenskej republiky (Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic)
The standard administrative fee for issuing a new ID card is typically around 4.50 EUR. Expedited issuance within 2 working days costs approximately 18 EUR, and within 10 working days approximately 13 EUR. Fees should be confirmed with the applying authority as they are subject to change.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all personal data on supporting documents (e.g., birth certificate) matches the data intended for the new ID card, especially if there have been any life events (marriage, divorce).
- If applying from abroad, the process can take significantly longer and may require additional documentation or steps; it is crucial to contact the specific Slovak diplomatic mission in advance.
- The physical presence of the applicant is mandatory for submitting the application due to the requirement for biometric data collection.
- Processing times can vary, so applying well before the expiration date is recommended to avoid any period without a valid ID card.
Sources
Other documents in Slovakia
National ID card renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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