In 2026, changing your ID card or obtaining a new passport in Bucharest can be done much more easily than in the past, thanks to online appointment systems and the gradual digitalization of public services. However, the process involves following clear rules regarding scheduling an appointment, preparing the necessary documents, and paying any applicable fees. Whether your ID card has expired, you have changed your domicile, changed your name after marriage, or lost your documents, it is important to know the steps you need to follow in order to avoid unnecessary trips to the counter. In Bucharest, personal records services operate at the level of each district, and for the electronic ID card there is the possibility of scheduling an appointment through the platform provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

When you need to change your ID card and what types of identity documents exist in 2026

The ID card must be replaced in several situations provided by law: upon the expiration of its validity period, in case of loss, theft, damage, change of name, change of domicile, or when the photograph in the document no longer corresponds to the holder’s appearance. A new identity document may also be requested in other special situations, such as changes to administrative address data or obtaining Romanian citizenship.

In 2026, Romanian citizens have several options regarding identity documents. The most modern is the electronic identity card (EIC), which has the format of a bank card and includes advanced security features. There is also the simple identity card (SIC), which does not contain a chip, as well as the provisional identity card, issued in certain special situations.

For the first electronic identity card, Romanian citizens who have reached the age of 14 benefit from free issuance under certain conditions and within the limits of the funding available through national programs. In other situations, specific fees may apply for the issuance of the document.

How to make an appointment to change your ID card in Bucharest

Before going to the counter, it is recommended to check the appointment method of the personal records service in the district where you live or where you choose to submit the application, depending on the type of document requested.

For the electronic identity card, the appointment is made through the Ministry of Internal Affairs platform, and the application can be submitted at any community public personal records service, regardless of domicile. When presenting yourself at the counter, the presence of the holder is mandatory, as the facial photograph and, in the case of persons for whom legislation provides this requirement, fingerprints are taken.

In the case of other types of identity cards, many services in Bucharest use their own online appointment systems. For example, Districts 3, 4, and 6 provide citizens with appointment platforms for submitting applications regarding identity documents.

It is advisable to make the appointment in advance, especially during busy periods, such as the summer months or periods when a large number of documents are due to expire.

The documents required to change your ID card

The necessary documents differ depending on the reason for requesting the new identity document. In the case of changing the ID card due to the expiration of its validity period, the old identity document, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or documents proving the change of civil status, as applicable, are generally required.

If the change is caused by moving to a new address, the applicant must also present documents proving the domicile. In situations where the person is not the owner of the home, a declaration from the person hosting the applicant may be necessary, according to the conditions established by legislation.

The original documents are verified at the counter by the personal records officer, after which they are returned to the holder. The application cannot be submitted through a power of attorney, as the presence of the person requesting the issuance of the identity document is mandatory.

How much it costs to change your ID card in 2026

The costs for issuing a new identity document differ depending on its type. For the simple identity card, the fee is 40 lei, while for some categories of requests regarding the electronic identity card, a fee of 70 lei may be charged. The standard identity card and other related services may have different fees, established according to the regulations in force and local procedures.

Payment of the fees can be made using modern methods, including online through authorized platforms or at the payment institutions indicated by the authorities. It is recommended that before submitting the application, the valid payment method for the district where the request is made should be checked.

How to change your passport in Bucharest in 2026

The passport must be replaced when it has expired, when it no longer has enough pages available for visas, when it has been lost or damaged, or when the holder’s personal data has changed.

The procedure for obtaining a new passport generally involves making an online appointment, appearing in person at the passport office, and submitting the necessary documents, including a valid identity document and supporting documents for special situations. During the process, the photograph and biometric data required for issuing the travel document are collected.

In Bucharest, the passport application is submitted to the competent passport services, and making an appointment in advance is the best solution for reducing the time spent at the counter. It is recommended that before going there, the updated list of necessary documents and the working schedule of the institution where the application is submitted are checked.

Useful tips to avoid delays and administrative problems

In order to complete the procedure for changing your ID card or passport quickly, it is advisable to check the expiration date of your personal documents in advance. Many people wait until the last days of validity and end up facing crowded appointment periods.

It is also important to have all the documents prepared in original form, verify that you have paid any applicable fees, and arrive at the counter at the scheduled time. A simple verification of the information published by the authorities before making the appointment can eliminate many unpleasant situations.

The modernization of public services has made changing identity documents in Bucharest in 2026 faster and more accessible than in the past. However, the citizen’s responsibility to follow the administrative steps and prepare the file correctly remains essential for obtaining the new ID card or passport without any problems.

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