New state IDs, mandatory by 2026, reach 1.2 million
Approximately 1.2 million new state IDs have been issued between the start of the replacement process on September 25, 2023, and December 13, according to official data provided by the Greek police to Kathimerini.
Authorities have expressed satisfaction with the procedure’s rate of progress ahead of 2026, when new state IDs will be mandatory for all Greek citizens. Old IDs will remain valid for certain procedures until September, 2027.
The new IDs are digitized, more compact, significantly more durable than their predecessors, and feature QR codes for instant authentication. They are also printed using advanced technology that makes forgery nearly impossible.
Additionally, unlike the older state IDs, which were issued without an expiration date, the new IDs have a 10-year validity period.
According to police figures, a total of 1,165,000 citizens have already received their new IDs, while 35,000 are currently awaiting issuance.
Most new IDs have been issued in Athens and Thessaloniki, while a significant number have also been issued in Patra, Larissa, Ioannina and Volos.
Waiting times for appointments at police station issuance points have significantly decreased following the removal of residence-based restrictions and the introduction of free service choice, Greek police spokesperson Constantia Dimoglidou told Kathimerini.
The current waiting period is between two to three months in Athens, several weeks in Thessaloniki and just a few days in most provincial cities.
Applicants must select a police station issuance point and book appointments through the online platform id.gov.gr. Appointments can be rescheduled or canceled up to one hour before the scheduled date.
Kathimerini
