7 July 2026

Redazione WAI

Documents

ID card number: what is it and where is it located

The ID card number is a unique alphanumeric code that identifies the document issued by the municipality or the consulate. It is an essential element in administrative and bureaucratic procedures in Italy, for both Italian and foreign citizens.

This code is often required to fill out forms, register for online services, conduct business with government agencies, or verify the account holder’s identity.

What is the ID card number and what does it indicate?

The ID card number is an alphanumeric sequence that uniquely identifies the document, not the holder’s personal information directly.

In the case of the electronic identity card (CIE), this number is also known as the unique national number and is linked to the document in public computer systems.

It is important to clarify that:

The ID card number does not contain any legible information, such as a name or date of birth.
The cardholder’s information, on the other hand, is printed on the card or stored in the microchip

The number is therefore used to:

uniquely identify the document
link it to public databases (such as the ANPR)
for online access and verification

What information is stored on the microchip?

In electronic ID cards, which have been in use since 2016, information about the cardholder is stored on the microchip. Here is what it includes:

first and last name
place and date of birth
photography
sex
stature
citizenship
image of the holder’s signature
Issuing Municipality or Consular Office
possible non-validity for expatriation
images of 2 fingerprints
tax ID number
For citizens residing abroad, the municipality of AIRE registration.

Where can I find my ID number?

The position of the number varies depending on the type of document.

Paper ID card

On the old paper ID cards, the code consists of two uppercase letters followed by 7 digits. It is located on the front of the document, below the words “CARTA D’IDENTITÀ,” and also on the back.

Electronic ID Card (CIE)

On the electronic ID card , the number is located on the front of the card, in the upper right corner.

It consists of two letters, five numbers, and two final letters (example: AA00000AA).

This number is printed directly on the card and is also used to access digital services or retrieve codes such as the PIN and PUK.

Difference between paper ID card and electronic ID card

The main difference between the two documents concerns technology and digital integration.

Paper:

It is not connected to centralized digital systems
It was managed locally at the municipal level

The electronic identity card (CIE):

It is connected to national systems such as the ANPR and to the digital systems of the Ministry of the Interior
contains a microchip with the owner’s information
It is more secure and harder to counterfeit
provides access to the public administration’s online services

Today, the CIE has almost completely replaced the paper version and is the standard in Italy.

Difference Between ID Number and Tax ID Number

The ID card number and the tax identification number are two different things, even though they are often confused.

Identity card number:

Identify the document
It changes every time the card is renewed
It is used for administrative procedures and audits

Tax ID number:

identify the person
It is unique and always remains the same
is used for tax, health, and administrative purposes

In other words, the ID card number is linked to the document, while the tax ID number is linked to the individual.

What is an ID card used for?

An ID card—especially the electronic version—is essential for carrying out many activities in Italy.

It is used for:

to officially identify oneself
access public administration services
sign up on online platforms
travel within EU countries (if valid for travel abroad)

The electronic ID card also allows access to digital services through the“Entra con CIE”system, which serves as an alternative to SPID. The CIE and SPID currently coexist: SPID is still active, but an increasing number of services allow direct access via the electronic ID card.

Did you know that many countries don’t have national ID cards? Not all countries use a national ID card system similar to Italy’s. In some countries, such as Russia, Japan, and Great Britain, other forms of identification or different digital systems are used. For this reason, many non-EU citizens who contact our union (Welcome Association Italy) are unaware that in Italy it is mandatory to present an identification document when requested by a public official. Refusal may result in penalties under current law.

Who can apply for an ID card

Both Italian citizens and foreign nationals (EU and non-EU) can apply for an identity card; the main requirement is that they be residents of Italy.

For foreign nationals, it is first necessary to complete the civil registration by submitting the required documents (including health coverage valid in Italy).

In this article, you’ll find all the information you need on how to obtain an Italian ID card for foreigners.

Frequently asked questions about the ID card

How long is the electronic ID card (CIE) valid?

The validity period of the Electronic ID Card varies depending on the holder’s age at the time of issuance:

3 years for children up to 3 years of age;
5 years for children between the ages of 3 and 18;
10 years for adults.

The due date coincides with the day and month of the account holder’s birth, in accordance with the procedures set forth in current regulations.

Where can I find my electronic ID card number?

The electronic ID card number is located on the front of the card, in the upper right corner, and consists of letters and numbers.

What is the ID card number used for?

The number is used to identify the document in administrative procedures, contracts, online registrations, and public administration services.

How much does an electronic ID card cost?

The fixed cost of the Electronic ID Card is €16.79, plus administrative fees and any fixed fees set by the municipality.

Can I use the CIE to travel abroad?

Yes, if it bears the notation “valid for travel abroad, “ the Electronic Identity Card can be used to travel to European Union countries and other countries that recognize its validity under international agreements with Italy.