The launch of the 2025 Digital Student ID Card has arrived, revolutionizing how students access benefits and services within the Greater Recife area. Starting February 17, students from public and private schools, as well as preparatory courses, can apply for this new digital identification, marking a significant shift toward modernization and sustainability.
For the first time, students will not receive a physical card. Instead, the Carteira de Identificação Estudantil (CIE) will be 100% digital, only accessible through the CIE PE application, available for both iOS and Android devices. According to the Metropolitan Transport Consortium (CTM), this application will allow students to manage their identification and benefits securely and conveniently.
Applying for the digital card is straightforward. Students can initiate the application process by visiting either www.estudante.ciepe.com.br or www.granderecife.pe.gov.br. Those who already have accounts simply need to log in by entering their CPF and password. If students encounter issues or need to recover their password, there are available options to do so. New users must create an account by providing necessary personal details, selecting their school, and uploading a recent 3×4 photo with a white background.
Once registered, students generate a payment slip for R$ 18.20, which is to be paid for the card's issuance. After the payment is confirmed— processed typically within 72 hours—the digital card can be downloaded through the app, ready for immediate use. Matheus Freitas, CTM's director-president, highlights the substantial reduction in processing time; previously, students faced delays of up to 40 days due to paperwork and logistics.
The digital CIE brings with it significant benefits. With the new card, students can avail themselves of half-price entry to cultural, sports events, and transportation services, utilizing their VEM Student card for public transport. "With the digital version, there will no longer be the charge for issuing a duplicate," Freitas pointed out, ensuring students can easily manage their identification without additional costs.
The digitalization process reflects broader trends toward sustainability, aiming to minimize the use of plastics and physical documents. The CTM emphasizes this transition as not only environmentally friendly but also enhancing security. The digital identification includes QR code technology for verification, which adds another layer of protection against fraud and forgery. Freitas noted, "This process allows greater security and veracity of the CIE through QR Code validation." This is particularly significant for students who typically face challenges related to lost or stolen physical IDs.
Validity remains another significant aspect of the CIE. The current 2024 student ID will be valid until March 31, 2025, allowing students to continue enjoying their benefits until the new card is fully implemented. Registration for the 2025 digital card remains open until December 2025, giving ample time for students to shift to the new system and maintain their eligibility for discounts.
While the new system offers many advantages, the CTM advises students to pay careful attention to their application details to avoid errors. If there are discrepancies, seeking help from the school’s administration is necessary to correct registration details before reapplying. This proactive approach will facilitate smoother processing and prevent unnecessary delays.
The anticipation surrounding the new card reflects students' needs for efficiency and reliability. With digital solutions increasingly becoming standard, this change is expected to ease access to benefits and save students time and effort. Emphasizing the importance of the digital ID, Freitas remarked on the societal benefits: "The new format offers practical solutions and is aligned with current technological advancements, ensuring our students have easier and faster access to their rights."
Indeed, as the digital CIE rolls out, students will have not only easier access to discounts but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability efforts. This innovative shift is set to symbolize the future of student support services, blending technology with the needs of the youth demographic.
The new digital student ID card also plays a pivotal role as the educational system modernizes. By prioritizing efficiency, security, and environmental responsibility, the CIE 2025 empowers students and encourages them to engage fully with cultural and educational opportunities. The future looks promising with this launch as students navigate their academic journeys with the tools they need at their fingertips.