Skip to content
All about travel.

Romania unveils electronic identity card in Cluj this month, nationwide launch planned subsequently

Starting March 20, Romania launches its new Electronic Identity Card (CEI) in Cluj County, with subsequent nationwide deployment. This move comes after the Romanian government's approval of three key decisions on March 13, establishing the regulatory and technical infrastructure for...

,   and  Administrator
4 min read
Digital identity cards are being introduced in Cluj, Romania, this month, with a nationwide...
Digital identity cards are being introduced in Cluj, Romania, this month, with a nationwide implementation to follow.

Romania unveils electronic identity card in Cluj this month, nationwide launch planned subsequently

The rollout of the new Electronic Identity Card (CEI) in Romania commenced gradually on March 20, 2025, starting in Cluj-Napoca, with a nationwide rollout planned thereafter [1]. These biometric identity cards are issued to Romanian citizens aged 14 and above as a compulsory identity document [1].

Key details about the new CEI:

  • Enhanced security features: The new electronic card prototype has an increased security level compared to the original pilot version [1].
  • Electronic services integration: Holders of the new cards will be able to access 11 electronic services, including the ability to transform the electronic identity card into a virtual card accessible on smartphones [1].
  • Validity of old cards: Non-electronic, older identity cards remain valid until their expiry date [1].
  • Website and guidance: A dedicated website launched in June 2025 provides detailed instructions on how to obtain the new card and explains its features [1].

Eligibility:

  • All Romanian citizens residing in Romania must obtain an identity card from the age of 14 [1].
  • Romanian citizens living abroad are exempt unless they establish temporary residence in Romania, in which case they can apply for a provisional identity card valid for one year, renewable [1].

Timeline:

  • September 2024: Prototype announced with increased security.
  • Late November 2024: Nationwide issuing was planned but delayed due to technical testing problems early 2025.
  • March 20, 2025: Gradual rollout starts in Cluj-Napoca.
  • June 2025: Launch of dedicated website for information and guidance.
  • The rollout continues nationally in 2025, replacing older non-electronic cards once they expire [1].

The new CEI includes additional details such as the holder's parents' names, residence, two fingerprint impressions, and digital certificates for authentication or electronic signatures [2]. The printed version of the CEI will display the holder's name, citizenship, birth date, gender, facial image, personal numerical code (CNP), and handwritten signature [3].

During the initial rollout period from March 2025 to June 2026, the electronic ID card will be provided free of charge, with costs covered by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) [4]. The fingerprint data from the new electronic ID card will be erased after printing, following the same procedure as for biometric passports [5].

Starting from June 2, children under 14 will be eligible to receive the new ID [6]. The new electronic ID card will function both as a travel document and an identification tool for administrative purposes [7]. The new ID card will include advanced security measures to prevent counterfeiting and identity theft [8].

Romania will start issuing the new CEI on March 20, initially in Cluj County. The new electronic ID card will feature a standardized size similar to a bank card, in line with European norms [9]. From May 20, authorities will issue a simpler version of the ID card without an electronic storage component [10].

This rollout reflects Romania’s move towards modern, biometric electronic identity cards supporting digital government services, aligning with EU digital identity objectives [11]. No conflicting or additional major updates on this specific rollout or eligibility were found in the other search results [12]. The process is part of ongoing Romanian and EU digital identity modernization efforts [13].

[1] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

[2] European Commission. (2022). European Digital Identity Wallet. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/european-digital-identity-wallet_en

[3] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

[4] Romania to issue new electronic ID cards for free during rollout period. (2025, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-free/

[5] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

[6] Romania to issue new electronic ID cards to children under 14. (2025, June 2). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-children/

[7] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

[8] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

[9] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

[10] Romania to issue simpler version of new electronic ID card without electronic storage component. (2025, May 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-simpler-version/

[11] European Commission. (2022). European Digital Identity Wallet. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/european-digital-identity-wallet_en

[12] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

[13] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

[14] Romania rolls out new electronic ID cards, starting in Cluj County. (2025, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-new-electronic-id-cards-rollout-cluj/

  1. The new CEI, which is rolling out in Romania, includes advanced technology features such as transforming the electronic identity card into a virtual card accessible on smartphones, enabling users to utilize various electronic services and potentially changing the lifestyle of citizens by integrating digital government services.
  2. With the implementation of the new travel-friendly electronic identity card, Romanian citizens might find it easier to manage their lifestyle and travel arrangements, as the new ID card functions both as a travel document and an identification tool for administrative purposes, making transactions more convenient and efficient.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest