Old Greek ID Cards Valid Until August 2026 as Demand for New IDs Surges

Greece’s existing blue identity cards will remain legally valid until August 2026, authorities have clarified, despite a sharp increase in applications for the new biometric ID cards that has strained police services across the country.

After that date, possession of the new ID card will be mandatory for security reasons for travel within the European Union. For domestic use and electronic transactions, however, the older ID cards will continue to be accepted until the deadline.

High Demand, Limited Appointments

Police stations—especially in Attica—are experiencing significant pressure due to high demand, largely driven by population density. As a result, appointment availability has become increasingly limited.

According to public broadcaster ERT, new appointment slots for the following three months are released daily after 9:00 p.m., with authorities advising citizens to monitor the online platform closely, particularly during morning hours. In response to demand, extended operating hours have already been introduced at several police departments in Attica, with further extensions under consideration.

What Is Required to Issue a New ID Card

To apply for a new identity card, citizens must appear in person at the competent authority in their place of residence and submit the following:

Digital photograph

The photo can be taken at the issuing authority or by a certified photographer, who uploads it to the myPhoto platform on gov.gr. The citizen then links the photo to their tax number (AFM) using a unique code.

Application and sworn declaration

Issued and completed by the authority using data retrieved automatically from the Ministry of Interior’s Population Registry. The applicant must sign the printed form.

ID issuance application

Completed by the authority and signed electronically and in writing by the applicant after verification.

Electronic fee

A €10 electronic fee is required for each new ID card, covering production and delivery costs.
For large families, the fee is reduced to €5, with supporting documentation required.
An additional €0.50 police stamp is also required. All fees are issued via the e-Παράβολο platform, with refunds available in case of error.

Old identity card

The previous blue ID card must be submitted upon issuance of the new one.
First-Time ID Issuance

Applicants applying for an ID card for the first time must provide all of the above, along with an adult witness who can verify their identity. For minors, a parent or legal guardian may act as the witness, presenting the relevant custody documents.

Booking an Appointment

Appointments are booked online by selecting the issuing authority, date and time based on availability. Personal data is retrieved automatically from national registries, though applicants may update contact details if necessary. Appointments may be rescheduled or cancelled up to one hour before the scheduled time.

In cases of loss or theft, citizens must contact the issuing authority directly to arrange an appointment.

Appointments may also be booked on behalf of third parties and, in most cases, through Citizens’ Service Centres (KEP).

Sourve: tovima.com