The Ministry of Citizen Protection presented, on Friday 01/09, on new identities which will replace the old ones, which will start to be issued by 25 Σεπτεμβρίου
In order to obtain the new IDs, citizens must first make an appointment with the local police authorities, but as is already known, all Greek citizens will be asked in the next two years to change their old IDs that are not in line with the European and international security standards and replace them with new type IDs that are more secure, cannot be forged and are in line with modern security standards.
You should also be aware that the expiry date of the existing IDs is August 2026, as this is the maximum window the EU has given to comply with security rules, and after this date the old IDs will no longer be valid .
The citizens they should submit the application for the change of identity through gov.gr, and eventually he will receive notice in which the appointment will be set at a police station (out of the 367 points that exist throughout the country), for the issuance of the new police identity card, the cost of which amounts to 10 euros.
Below is the press release issued by the government:
1. Why is Greece issuing a new identity card?
Greece is taking the next step in the security of its citizens and is proceeding with the issuance of a new secure identity card for Greek citizens, as the country needs to immediately comply with the European regulation, but also with the frauds of international bodies, such as ICAO. Specifically,
The rule (EU) 2019/1157 foresees for all member states the issuance of new identity cards with particularly upgraded security features, which the current card does not meet.
According to Regulation (EU) 2019/1157, ID cards of Member States that do not have a machine-readable band (JUNE), cease to apply on August 3, 2026. Specifically, according to article 5 of the Regulation, identity cards that do not meet the minimum security standards defined by the ICAO or which do not include MRZ cease to apply. In July, our country received another warning letter from the European Union for non-compliance with the Regulation.
At the same time, the new ID cards are a permanent requirement intertwined with security protocols:
a) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as a specialized Organization of the United Nations that guarantees flight safety and freedom of movement,
b) of the U.S. regarding our country's participation in the visa exemption program (VISA waiver program).
At the same time, already with Joint Ministerial Decision (JMA) of 2018, which has been amended several times since then, it is planned to issue a new identity card for Greek citizens with new specifications based on modern security protocols.
2. Is the issuance of a new identity card therefore a mandatory obligation of the country?
The country is taking the next step in terms of security. The new identity card of Greek citizens is a tool that utilizes the possibilities of technology and supports our coexistence in the framework of the privileged society and the Rule of Law, in our country and the world.
Obviously, the country must comply with its legal obligations, but issuing a new identity card for Greek citizens is not only a necessity, but a reforming option. An option that will provide greater security and facilitate everyday transactions, travel and life in the modern globalized environment.
Today's ID card, issued in the form we know since 1961, is changing with the issuance of one of the most modern ID cards, with strong security features. Security for all in 2023 in terms of the 60s is unthinkable. In addition, because today's ID cards fall short of modern security data, they are easier to counterfeit by criminal organizations and used to facilitate criminal acts. Those who vehemently resist their change facilitate - consciously or unconsciously - the pursuits of criminal organizations.
3. What information is included in the new identity card?
The following information will be printed on the new identity card:
Front side: Owner's photo, ID number, Surname, First name, Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality, Date Edition, Date Expiration, Issuing Authority, Owner's Signature.
Back side: Father's Name, Mother's Name, Place of Birth, Blood Type (optional), Height (mandatory from 24 years). If it is decided, a space has been provided to print the Personal Citizen Number.
Intact storage includes:
- Photo of owner in digital format
- Machine readable zone data
- Two fingerprints
- Father's last name
- Mother's last name
- Municipality of registration and census number
- Place of issue
4. What are the special features of the new identity card?
- The new ID card measures 85,6mm ± 0,75mm * 54,0mm ± 0,75mm and is made of polycarbonate material.
- The new identity card of Greek citizens is made of polycarbonate material and is a format ID1, credit card type, according to its international standards ICAO and the legal obligations of the country.
Printing method: Printing is done via laser engraving. All the details as well as the color photo are laser printed on the inner layer of the ID card making any attempt at forgery impossible.
- It incorporates modern security measures that enhance security and prevent counterfeiting attempts.
- Includes machine readable zone (JUNE)
- It integrates an electronic storage medium, which works without contact (contactless)
5. What is the procedure for issuing the new identity card?
It is a safe, easy and immediate process. 367 points for issuing new police ID cards will operate throughout the country, while the operation of 60 portable scales is planned. For the sake of convenience, the issuing process will be by appointment (similar to vaccination appointments). Appointments will be booked through the platform and the citizen will receive informative sms and emails. The 60 portable stairs are aimed at prisoners, hospitalized patients, the elderly and Disabled with severe accessibility problems.
6. When will the new identity cards of Greek citizens begin to be issued?
From September 25, 2023, citizens of the whole country will be able to come to Police Stations, by appointment - except for exceptions - and proceed with the process of issuing the new identity card.
7. What is the cost of issuing a new identity card?
For the issuance of a new identity card, an electronic State fee of €10,00 is paid, which corresponds to:
a) in exchange for the body of the ticket,
b) in its printing costs
c) to the cost of his safe transport to and from the Directorate of Passports and Security Documents of the Hellenic Police Headquarters in Athens
d) in the photo, if the citizen wishes to take it to the security department.
For the cases of issuing an identity card due to the loss or damage of the applicant's previous card, an additional electronic State fee of €9,00 will be paid, exactly as it is today.
8. Why does the cost of issuance fall on the citizen?
The technology incorporated in the new identity card is equivalent to passports and has an increased cost. In the case of the new identity card, we achieved the cost to be the minimum possible and sub-multiple that of issuing passports, including the photo.
9. How long will it take to issue the new identity card?
The total time required, from the date of the application at the Police Department until receipt, will be 7 days.
10. What will be the time validity of the new identity cards and why is the expiry date necessary?
The validity period from the date of issue is 10 years, just as it is today. The duration of validity is a measure that ensures the reliability of the identity card, as well as over time 10-year-old physiognomic changes occur in the owner's face. At the same time, validity period of 10 years is the maximum possible duration allowed by the European Regulation and recommended by ICAO.
11. Is it mandatory to replace the old with a new type of identity card?
According to Regulation (EU) 2019/1157, ID cards of Member States that do not have a machine readable zone (MRZ) will cease to be valid on 3 August 2026.
12. There would be a problem in the free movement of Greek Citizens in the EU. if ID cards were not updated?
According to Regulation (EU) 2019/1157, ID cards of Member States that do not have a machine-readable band (JUNE), cease to apply on August 3, 2026. Specifically, according to article 5 of the Regulation, identity cards that do not meet the minimum security standards defined by the ICAO or which do not include JUNE cease to be valid. This category of documents also includes the current Greek identity card, which does not have a machine-readable zone.
13. In relation to the current identity card of Greek citizens, how is security upgraded and strengthened?
The current identity card of Greek citizens, issued in the form we have known since 1961, is outdated and outdated. Greece takes the next step by issuing one of the most modern identity cards, with strong security features.
Specifically, security is enhanced through:
- Being machine readable zone (MRZ)
- Substitution of material (from paper to polycarbonate material)
- New gravure printing technology with laser
- Adoption of modern security measures
- Incorporation of a non-contact storage medium in order to reliably and unbreakably link the pass to the holder
- The identity card materials are manufactured exclusively for our country and their personalization and printing can only be carried out by the modern and upgraded system of the Hellenic Police.
14. What are the modern security measures?
- Safety flooring that includes microprints and iridescent printing.
- Changing laser image (Changing Laser Image) in which the secondary photo of the holder and the three-digit country code (GRC) alternate depending on the viewing angle.
- Printed performances (electronic security document token – three-digit GRC country code) with Optically Variable Ink (Optical Variable Inkjet), which changes color from green to magenta (red - purple), depending on the viewing angle.
- Optically Variable Image Diffraction Device (DOVID) which exhibits color shift depending on the viewing angle and protects the owner's photo.
- Indications visible only under the influence of ultraviolet light (Ultra Violet light) (like the olive wreath, the words "HELLAS/HELLAS" and the title "IDENTITY CARD»
15. What is machine readable zone (MRZ)?
MRZ, are the initials of an international security term Machine Readable Zone, that is in Greek: machine readable zone. It is the line of information code that we still see today in all Greek passports, right below the citizen's details. In other words, it is not about some new technology, as every Greek passport has even today, for many years, MRZ zone. In particular, the JUNE includes in a special form determined by ICAO some of the data written on the identity card, so that it is possible for reasons of security and speed to automatically recognize, read and verify them by all passport control devices internationally.
16. What is RFID and why is it necessary to use it?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. Its rendering in Greek is defined as "radio frequency identification". This technology is used for the contactless communication of the storage medium with the reading devices (readers). In particular, the ID storage medium communicates with readers via NFC protocol (near field communication). Technology that exists in the set of “smart mobile". In other words, the ability to read the storage medium is provided only when the ticket comes at a very close distance (a few centimeters) from the reader.
17. How is the confidentiality and integrity of the personal data and biometrics included in the non-contact storage medium ensured?
The new identity card of Greek citizens integrates and implements all the required technical solutions and advanced security mechanisms that ensure the control of the authenticity of the digital data included in the intact storage medium and prevent any attempt to maliciously access, read, copy or modify them. The security mechanisms, in two words, ensure that the new identity card of Greek citizens, on the one hand, cannot be forged and, on the other hand, the data contained in it cannot be intercepted.
18. Why will the photos be taken by the Police?
This is another measure to enhance security and identity verification, as the ability to take a photo of the applicants directly from the Issuing Authorities ensures the security of the biometric element in question (e.g. from face morphing attempts). In fact, it is also a recommendation in the European Regulation. In addition, the service is available at no cost to citizens. However, citizens are also given the opportunity to contact professional photographers to have their photo taken.
New identity card for Greek citizens and fake news
19. "There will be a geospatial tracking chip and they will find where we are"
The new ID card does not contain technology that can record location control data. The data collected are absolutely necessary and focus on the safety of citizens.
20. “They will have access to our medical data because they will have our AMKA”
Ο AMKA it is not included in the new ID card either in a visible external place, or stored internally. The new ID card has no elements that could give access to sensitive personal health-related data.
21. “They will have our blood type against our will”
The listing of the blood group is optional and is done through a certificate from a hospital or health laboratory, in which the blood group and RHESUS are listed, only for those citizens who wish to do so.
22. “They will have access to our personal data”
The E.U. has the strictest, worldwide, legislation to protect them and ensure human rights. Greek legislation is fully compatible and harmonized with European legislation. Therefore, the process of issuing the new Greek identity card fully meets the most demanding conditions set by European and national law.
23. "Information of religious interest will be written on the new identity card that affects faith"
The connection of the new identity card with the Christian faith is a blatant theft and counterfeiting of Orthodoxy. Their publication does not in the least touch the core of both Christianity and any other dogma and religion. The identity card of Greek citizens is an administrative document and does not contain any information of religious interest. Therefore, there is no issue related to any religious orientation and sensitivity of the citizens.
Press Release
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