RO president promulgates legislation introducing electronic ID cards

Romania will change the current ID cards it issues to electronic ID cards, according to legislation recently promulgated by president Klaus Iohannis.

According to the new legislation, the ID cards will be issued at birth, at the request of the parents, and can be valid for two, four, or ten years, depending on the holder’s age, Profit.ro reported. ID cards are currently issued when the holder turns 14.

Children aged up to 14 years can receive a regular or an electronic ID card valid for two years, while those aged between 14 and 18 will receive ID cards valid for four years. Those older than 18 will receive an ID card valid for ten years.

The electronic ID card will include the holder’s name, gender, citizenship, date, and place of birth, portrait photo, personal identification number, residence address, and parents’ names. It will also include the holder’s biometric data, such as the portrait photo and the image of two fingerprints.

Those who refuse the electronic ID card for religious or other reasons can receive a regular ID card. The latter, however, will not entitle the holder to free travel.

The electronic ID card will also be used as a health card, through a digital certificate inscribed on its chip.

The health card is no longer valid when the holder receives an electronic ID card. Imprimeria Națională (National Printing House) will produce the electronic and the regular ID cards, and the electronic and the regular residence cards. The holder of an electronic card will also be able to access various electronic services (banking, fiscal, social, financial, and educational) and make use of the electronic signature based on a certificate.

Romania needs to introduce electronic ID cards starting August 2021, in line with EU regulations.

(Photo: dgepmb.ro)