National ID Card

You need 1 colour photo measuring 35×45 mm, taken no more than 6 months before submission.

The photo must be:

• on a uniform, light background
• without head coverings or dark glasses
• with a clearly visible oval of the face

Online application — digital photo: min. 492×633 px, max. 2.5 MB.

In-person application — paper photo 35×45 mm.

To apply for your first national ID card you need:

• ID photo — prepared in the previous step
• A photo identity document — passport, driving licence or another identity document (if you have one)

If you are a minor — the application is submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

To renew your national ID card you need:

• ID photo — prepared in the previous step
• Current national ID card — bring it to the appointment

Submit the application at least 30 days before your current ID card expires.

Before applying for a new ID card, you must report the loss or damage of the current one. The report immediately invalidates the document.

How to report?

• Online — via gov.pl (requires a Trusted Profile, qualified signature, or e-ID)
• In person — at any municipal office
• Abroad — at a Polish consulate

Theft

If your ID card was stolen, a police report is sufficient — you do not need to additionally report it at the municipal office.

After reporting, you will receive a certificate of loss/damage of national ID card (valid for up to 2 months).

After reporting the loss, prepare the documents for the new ID card application:

• ID photo — prepared in the first step
• Passport or other photo identity document — if you have one
• Certificate of loss/damage of national ID card — received when reporting the loss

When your personal data changes (e.g. surname after marriage) you need:

• ID photo — prepared in the previous step
• Current national ID card — will be invalidated when collecting the new one

An ID card with outdated data loses its validity after 120 days from registration of the change in the PESEL register — apply as soon as possible.

You can apply for a national ID card:

Online (gov.pl or mObywatel app)

1. Log in via Trusted Profile, qualified signature, or e-ID
2. Fill in the form and attach a digital photo
3. Within 30 days, visit a municipal office to provide fingerprints and signature

In person at a municipal office

You can apply at any municipal office in Poland — you do not need to go to the office for your registered address.

The official will complete the electronic form based on the data you provide and the PESEL register.

Home visit

If you cannot attend in person due to illness or disability — contact your municipal office, which will send an official to your home.

Processing time for a national ID card is up to 30 days from the date of application. It is usually ready sooner.

You can check whether your ID card is ready:

• Online — at gov.pl, using the application number
• By phone — by calling the municipal office
• SMS/email — if you provided contact details on the application

Collect your ID card in person at the same office where you submitted the application. Bring your current national ID card (if you have one — it will be invalidated).

PIN codes (e-ID)

When collecting, you can set:

• PIN 1 (4 digits) — for logging into public services (ePUAP, gov.pl)
• PIN 2 (6 digits) — for a personal signature (electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature)
• PUK — unblocking code (you will receive it at the office)

ID card validity