Romania to expand digital ID nationwide

The Romanian government has announced that its new biometric digital identity system is now accessible from any location within the country.

The announcement follows over a year since the government began issuing [1] the new chip-based digital ID in Cluj County. The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that a decision facilitating [2] the delivery of digital IDs was approved along with two additional measures during a meeting on March 13. According to Cotidianul, authorities have [3] stated that they are now extending the delivery of the card to other major cities, indicating the country's commitment to gradually replace legacy ID cards, authorities have clarified that the CEI, designed to resemble a bank card, will be issued at no cost, while existing IDs will continue to be accepted until they expire.

Officials anticipate that millions of citizens will obtain the digital ID within the next few years and have highlighted its significance in enhancing access to various government and private sector services. The nationwide [4] rollout of Romania's digital ID aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where nations are transitioning from traditional paper or laminated identity documents to secure, chip-enabled credentials that function both physically and digitally. This transition not only modernizes document formats but also establishes a foundation for a more interconnected and efficient digital public infrastructure, facilitating access to a wide array of services for citizens.

The government has announced that the implementation of the new digital ID is a key component of Romania’s initiative to comply with [5] the EU’s eIDAS regulation, which aims to enhance cross-border travel and access to digital public services among member states. In June, Romania indicated its intention to adopt the German model for the rollout of [6] its European Digital Identity wallet.

The new electronic ID will be issued to citizens either as their existing IDs expire or upon request. Officials have stated that the new card is designed to streamline administrative processes, bolster security against fraud, and allow citizens to utilize their national ID for online interactions with Romanian and other EU public administrations. In July 2026, the General Directorate for People’s Records within the Ministry of Internal Affairs [7] announced that steps have been implemented including legislative changes to enable Romanians living abroad to apply for the new digital ID. A government [8] release indicates that the decision was made after a thorough evaluation of EUDI Wallet solutions implemented at different stages in other Member States, alongside the long-term development strategies for the ecosystem. “Romania is efficiently capitalising on the available resources, building the project based on technical solutions and certification schemes taken over from advanced European countries, with which collaborations have already been initiated. In this context, Romania will adopt and use the German solution for the European Digital Identity Wallet, following a rigorous evaluation of the EUDI Wallet solutions in different stages of implementation in other Member States, as well as the long-term development strategies of the ecosystem,” said the press release.

The technical infrastructure for the implementation of [9] the EUDI Wallet in Germany has been secured by youniqx Identity, the digital arm of the Austrian State Printing Company, following a Europe-wide tender process. In March 2026, the General Directorate for Personal Records announced that over 1.5 million digital ID cards had been issued in Romania during the first year since their introduction, [10] as reported by News.ro. Authorities indicate that this initiative represents progress in decreasing bureaucracy and enhancing access to public services. The new format features a chip that holds biometric data and digital certificates for electronic signatures and access to e-government platforms.

The Romanian government [11] entered into a memorandum of understanding with Mastercard to create a national digital ID wallet in May, aiming for completion by December 2026. This solution is set to be interoperable throughout the EU, aligning with the European Digital Identity Wallet framework, as outlined in a government memorandum. As part of a 5-year Digital Partnership programme, the Romanian government will maintain ownership and management of the ecosystem, while Mastercard Europe SA, based in Belgium, will function solely as a technical service provider. The government has stated that this agreement will not incur any costs to the public budget.

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