The issuance of new electronic identity cards officially commenced in Cluj County on Thursday, March 20, 2025, marking a significant step in Romania's digital transformation of public services. The new electronic ID card serves as both a travel document and a means of identification for various administrative procedures.
This initiative began with the local services of personal records in several towns: Dej, Gherla, Huedin, Turda, Câmpia Turzii, and Florești, which are now collecting photos, fingerprints, and required documents to facilitate the issuance of electronic ID cards, as reported by the Cluj County Council. “Starting today, residents of Cluj County aged over 14 can benefit from free electronic identity cards issued near their homes without needing to travel to Cluj City,” stated Alin Tişe, president of the Cluj County Council.
The electronic ID card has advanced security features and is about the size of a bank card, which ensures a higher level of protection against counterfeiting and identity theft. From June 2, 2025, children under 14 will also be able to obtain these cards. The data included within these cards will consist of a printed format displaying the holder's name, surname, citizenship, date of birth, gender, facial photo, personal identification number, and handwritten signature. Additionally, in the electronic format, this includes the holder's parents' names, home address, fingerprints from two fingers, and digital certificates for authentication and electronic signature.
From the official launch, the new cards will provide easier access to electronic services and the ability to conduct transactions online securely. Furthermore, until June 1, 2026, these electronic identity cards will be free of charge, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. This funding ensures that the transition to the new ID cards does not impose costs on residents during the pilot phase.
The registration process for obtaining the electronic ID card is exclusively available online through the Ministry of Internal Affairs' portal. As part of this initiative, personal record services are streamlining application procedures, enhancing convenience for Cluj County residents. “We are pleased that the project successfully operationalized by DJEP Cluj is being replicated throughout the county and, subsequently, nationwide,” Tişe added.
The pilot project for issuing electronic identity cards began on August 2, 2021, in Cluj-Napoca, with an extension to the Cluj County Department of Personal Records on August 2, 2022. The initiative highlights Romania's commitment to integrating advanced technology within public administration and improving the overall efficiency of service delivery.
As the project rolls out over the next two months, residents across Romania can expect to access these services and further digital solutions that simplify bureaucratic processes. The launch of these electronic identity cards represents a crucial step in embracing modernity, significantly reshaping how citizens interact with government services.
