Farewell to paper ID cards: the electronic version becomes mandatory

Context

TL;DR

• Varese paper ID cards invalid from August 3, 2026
• 5,000 Varese citizens need to switch to CIE
• CIE costs €22.21 in Italy, 35 CHF in Lugano
• Booking mandatory via Municipality of Varese website

Key facts

• Deadline: August 3, 2026
• Cost in Italy: 22.21 euros
• Cost in Lugano: 35 CHF
• Varese citizens to switch: 5,000
• Lugano Italian residents: 3,500
• Bellinzona Italian citizens: 2,200
• Booking method: Online via Municipality of Varese website
• Required documents: Recent photograph, old identity document, tax code

Historic Change for Identity Documents

Starting August 3, 2026, old paper documents will no longer be valid. The Municipality of Varese has announced that, from this date onwards, even if the expiry date on the document is later, the paper identity card will no longer be usable, neither for identification within the national territory nor for travel abroad. This mandatory transition affects all Varese citizens still in possession of the old 'light' paper identity card.

Extra Opening Hours for the Registry Office

To facilitate the switch to the electronic identity card (CIE), the Municipality of Varese has decided to enhance the service of the Registry Office in via Sacco, planning a series of extra opening hours starting from May. This extraordinary service is aimed at those who need to replace the paper document by August 3.

📊 Concrete Examples:

• Varese: 5,000 citizens still need to switch to the CIE.
• Lugano (CH): 3,500 Italian residents need to update their document.
• Bellinzona (CH): 2,200 Italian citizens need to replace their paper card.

How to Book

To manage the flow of requests and avoid queues, the Municipality has set up a specific online agenda dedicated exclusively to those who need to replace the paper document. Booking is mandatory and can only be done by appointment through the website of the Municipality of Varese. It is possible to book remotely at any time, even without authentication (SPID or CIE). Appointments will take place at the offices in via Sacco.

💡 Operational Checklist: 1. Check the expiry date of your paper document. 2. Book online through the website of the Municipality of Varese. 3. Bring a recent photograph and a valid identity document. 4. Pay the cost of the CIE, which amounts to 22.21 euros (valid amount in Italy; in Switzerland, the cost varies depending on the Municipality, for example, in Lugano it is 35 CHF).

Who Can Benefit from Extra Opening Hours

The enhanced service is aimed at residents of Varese who still have the paper document and need to switch to the CIE by August 3. Furthermore, from June, residents abroad registered with the Aire of the Municipality of Varese will also be able to request the CIE in via Sacco, benefiting from a priority lane to facilitate the switch to the electronic format. For all other needs, the ordinary channels remain active: the ministerial booking website or physical booking at the counter of the Demographic Services.

⚠️ Comparison of Practical Scenarios:

• In Italy: The CIE is mandatory for all adult citizens. The issuance process is centralized and managed by the Ministry of the Interior.
• In Switzerland: The procedure varies depending on the Canton. For example, in Lugano, Italian citizens can request the CIE at the Civil Status Office, but the process is longer and requires the presentation of additional documents.

"The transition to the electronic identity card is a fundamental step to modernize identification services and ensure greater security for citizens," declared the Mayor of Varese.

For further information, you can consult the website of the Municipality of Varese or contact the Registry Office directly.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Citizens

The switch to the electronic identity card (CIE) represents a significant change for the citizens of Varese, especially for those who work or live in Ticino. The CIE offers numerous advantages, including greater security and the possibility of using it for travel abroad. However, it is important to be aware of the deadlines and procedures necessary to obtain the new document, especially for those who frequently travel between Italy and Switzerland.

What Changes with the CIE

The electronic identity card contains a microchip that stores the biographical data and image of the holder. This makes the document more secure and difficult to forge. Additionally, the CIE can be used for travel to all countries of the European Union and many other foreign countries, without the need to request a passport. For example, for a citizen of Varese who frequently travels to Lugano for work, the CIE greatly simplifies the identification and border control process.

Deadlines and Procedures

It is essential to respect the deadline of August 3, 2026 to avoid problems with the validity of the document. To request the CIE, you must appear at the appointment at the Anagrafe Office in via Sacco with the required documents, which include a recent photograph and the old identity document. The process of issuing the CIE takes approximately 6-8 working days, so it is advisable to book in advance. For residents of Varese who work in Ticino, it is possible to request the CIE also at the border municipal offices such as Mendrisio or Chiasso, where dedicated services are available.

Operational Checklist

• Required Documents:
• Recent photograph (ID format, white background)
• Old identity document
• Tax code
• Possible residence permit for residents in Switzerland

• Procedures:
• Online or telephone booking at the Anagrafe Office
• Presentation of documents at the appointment
• Waiting approximately 6-8 days for collection

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the introduction of the CIE, the paper identity card was the main identity document for Italian citizens. However, with the advent of technology, it has been possible to improve the security and functionality of the document. The CIE represents a significant step forward compared to the old identity card, offering greater protection against forgery and facilitating the identification of the holder.

Concrete Examples

A citizen of Varese who travels to Lugano for work can use the CIE to cross the border without having to show additional documents. Furthermore, the CIE is accepted as a valid identity document for accessing online and banking services, simplifying cross-border operations. For example, to open an account in a Swiss bank, the CIE can be used as the main identification document, reducing time and bureaucratic costs.

Regulations and Costs

According to Italian regulations, the CIE is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. The cost of the document is 22.21 euros, which includes issuance and home delivery. For residents in Switzerland, it is possible to request the CIE also at the Italian consulates, such as the one in Lugano, where the cost may vary slightly.

Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A citizen of Varese who works in Lugano can use the CIE to cross the border without having to show additional documents. The CIE is accepted as a valid identity document for accessing online and banking services, simplifying cross-border operations.

• Scenario 2: A citizen of Varese who travels to Mendrisio for shopping can use the CIE to identify themselves at Swiss shops and banks, reducing waiting times and simplifying procedures.

Conclusion

The switch to the CIE represents a significant improvement over the old paper identity card, offering greater security and functionality. For citizens of Varese who work or live in Ticino, the CIE greatly simplifies cross-border operations and facilitates access to services. It is important to respect the deadlines and follow the procedures indicated to obtain the new document in a timely manner.

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Key points

What to do to obtain the CIE

To obtain the electronic identity card (CIE), it is necessary to follow some simple but important steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to request the CIE, with concrete examples and specific references for residents in Ticino.

1. Online booking: Access the website of the Municipality of residence and book an appointment through the dedicated agenda. For example, in the Municipality of Lugano, it is possible to book online through the official portal, with an average availability of 15 working days. In Bellinzona, on the other hand, the booking can be made through the municipal computer system, with waiting times that vary between 7 and 10 days.

2. Required documents: Prepare a recent photograph (format 35x40 mm, white background) and the old paper identity document. Some municipalities, such as Locarno, also require a copy of the residence permit for foreign citizens. It is important to verify the specific requirements of your municipality of residence.

3. Appointment at the Registry Office: Attend the appointment at the Registry Office with the required documents. In Mendrisio, for example, the Registry Office is located in Via G. Cattaneo 2, and the opening hours to the public are from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In Chiasso, the Registry Office is located in Via San Francesco 3, with similar opening hours.

4. Collection of the document: After a few days, collect the CIE at the Registry Office or receive it by post, depending on the methods provided by the Municipality. In Lugano, the collection can take place after about 10 working days, while in Bellinzona the average waiting time is 7 days.

Useful tips

• Advance booking: It is advisable to book in advance to avoid prolonged waiting times. For example, in the Municipality of Lugano, the booking can be made up to 30 days before the desired date.
• Documents in order: Make sure you have all the necessary documents before going to the appointment. In Locarno, for example, it is possible to verify the complete list of required documents on the official website of the Municipality.
• Check the expiry dates: Always check the expiry date of the CIE to avoid validity problems. The CIE is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.

Operational checklist

• Recent photograph (format 35x40 mm, white background)
• Old paper identity document
• Residence permit (for foreign citizens)
• Online booking through the website of the Municipality of residence
• Check the opening hours of the Registry Office

Comparison between practical scenarios

• Collection at the Registry Office: This method is recommended for those who prefer to collect the document immediately. In Lugano, the collection can take place after about 10 working days.
• Receiving by post: This method is convenient for those who cannot go to the Registry Office. In Bellinzona, the CIE is sent within 7 working days from the date of issue.

Useful tools

For further information and to book an appointment, visit the website of the Municipality of residence. Furthermore, it is possible to use the expiry date calculator to keep track of the important dates related to the CIE.

⚠️ Attention: The CIE will be mandatory from 3 August 2026. Do not waste time and book your appointment today!

Source: varesenews.it