The CIE is a personal identification document valid for identification and travel within the European Union, some Schengen member states (e.g., Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland), and other countries with bilateral agreements (see the individual “Country Profiles” on the website www.viaggiaresicuri.it).
The CIE cannot be used to exit the United States of America.
Requirements to obtain a CIE
- You must be an Italian citizen residing in the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco;
- You must be registered with AIRE;
- Your birth certificate must have been registered in the appropriate Italian city (Comune);
- Your vital records (marriages, divorces, children births) and current address must be up to date.
How to Apply for the CIE
The appointment to apply for the electronic identity card must be booked exclusively through the Prenot@mi web-platform.
Documentation required to applying for the CIE
On the day of the appointment, the applicant must present the following documentation:
- Application form for adults, or for minors.
- If you have had a previous Italian identity card, you must bring the previous card.
- Your Italian passport (if you have one), otherwise any valid ID.
- Two (2) passport-size photos, one glued to the form (recent, frontal, in color with white background).
- Money order or cashier’s check made out to Consulate General of Italy – San Francisco (cash and personal checks are NOT accepted). See here the current fee (Art. 28C A+B).
CIE request for minors under 12
The application for a CIE for minors under the age of 12 must be filed by regular mail only (please use USPS Priority or Express).
In order to request the CIE for a minor under 12 years old you must include in the application, along with items listed above, the specific form for minors (which replaces the regular form for adults).
The parent’s signatures on the form must be authenticated by an Italian Public Official or a U.S. Pubblic Notary.
Application must be mailed to:
Consolato Generale d’Italia (Ufficio CIE)
2590 Webster St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
Questions & Answers
Can I apply for an identity card at my municipality in Italy, even if I live abroad?
No, if you do not reside in Italy, and you are registered with AIRE, you cannot request the CIE from the Italian municipality you are connected to, the Italian Consulate is the only authority which can issue it.
How long does it take to receive the CIE?
The CIE is NOT issued on the day of the appointment.
The CIE is printed by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato in Italy, and then shipped to the applicant’s residential address. The applicant can confirm the shipment using the tracking code issued on the day of the appointment.
N.B. The Consulate is not responsible for any shipping issues; for these, please contact Poste Italiane or USPS.
How long is the CIE valid?
The validity of the CIE varies based on the age of the applicant:
- 3 years for minors between the ages of 0 and 3;
- 5 years for minors between the ages of 4 and 18;
- 10 years for persons over the age of 18.
What is the consent form?
If the application is for a minor, the consent form must be filled out and signed by both parents.
The consent form, which is also required for unmarried, separated, or divorced parents, can be signed in one of the following ways:
– in person at this Consulate on the day of the appointment;
– in person at another Italian Consulate or Honorary Consulate of Italy;
– in person at a Public Notary.
Do I need to request a new card if I change my address?
No. The identity card is an identity document, not a residence document.
Is it possible for married women to list their husband’s surname?
No, the identity card is an identity document, not a marital status document, so it only lists the full legal name as listed on your birth certificate and Italian passport.
For more information, contact sanfrancisco.cie@esteri.it