New Greek ID card holders: which institutions need to be notified?
Greek citizens who receive the country’s new-type identity cards do not generally need to notify every public institution individually. However, banks, insurance companies and certain private organizations may require their customers to update their identification details separately.
The introduction of the new Greek identity cards has raised questions about where citizens need to take additional action after replacing their old cards.
When a new identity card is issued, the citizen’s information is transferred to the state’s central registration systems. As a result, separate applications are generally not required at many public institutions.
However, private companies may still have outdated identification information in their own databases, meaning citizens may need to request an update.
Check your bank records
Citizens who receive a new identity card are advised to check the identification details associated with their bank accounts.
If an old identity number remains registered in a bank’s system, certain transactions could potentially lead to identification or verification issues. Depending on the bank, information may be updated through mobile banking, online banking or at a branch.
Customers with active bank accounts, loans or other banking services should pay particular attention to their records.
Insurance policies may also require updates
People with vehicle, home, health or life insurance policies should also check the identification information held by their insurance providers.
If an old identity document is still registered, the insurance company may request that the details be updated. Customers with multiple active policies are advised to review all of their contracts.
Employers and telecommunications providers
Employees who have received a new identity card may also need to inform their employer or human resources department, particularly if their identification details are maintained in internal company records.
Similarly, mobile phone and internet subscribers are advised to check the identification information associated with their contracts. Providers may request an update if an existing subscription was registered using the previous identity card.
Electricity and other subscriptions
Citizens should also review records linked to electricity, water and natural gas services.
If an active subscription still contains old identification details, an update may be required through the relevant provider. Electronic payment services and digital wallets that require identity verification may also need to be updated.
What should new ID card holders do?
After receiving a new identity card, citizens should first check that all information printed on the card is correct.
They should then review their records with banks, insurance companies, employers, telecommunications providers and utility or other subscription services.
There is generally no need to visit every public institution individually. Electronic data sharing between government systems means that many public records are updated automatically.
Private organizations, however, operate their own databases, so citizens may be responsible for checking whether their old identification details remain on file.
Reviewing records with key private institutions after receiving a new identity card can therefore help prevent potential identification and transaction problems in the future.
