Spid or CIE digital identity in Italy: what's the difference?

Italy is moving forward when it comes to bureaucracy and more and more previously time consuming processes can be done online. In order to do this, it's often necessary to have either a Spid, a digital identifier consisting of a username and password, or a CIE, which is Italy's electronic ID card. But when it comes to Spid or CIE digital identity in Italy, what's the difference? Are they used for the same thing? We have the details, with important news on the subject of digital identity and access to public administration services in Italy. 

Electronic Identity Card in Italy: what's new?

A new decree of the Ministry of the Interior published in the Official Gazette in Italy has announced the introduction of changes that make the country's electronic identity card (CIE) like the Spid to access bureaucratic services (amongst other things) that require digital authentication.

Among the main new features introduced by the Ministry of the Interior, in collaboration with the Ministry for Technological Innovation, is the introduction of the possibility of accessing a series of services not only provided by the public administration, but also by private individuals, with an electronic identity card.

Access to services by means of an electronic identity card will be able to take place through three levels of computer authentication - 1, 2 and 3 - corresponding to normal, significant and high, depending on the requirements of the service providers.

A portal dedicated to the electronic identity card will also be set up, through which people will be able to update their personal data, view the operations carried out with their CIE  identity and, later on, it will even be possible to express consent or refusal to organ and tissue donation in the event of death.

Moreover, with the electronic identity card, it will still be possible to sign a digital document by means of an advanced electronic signature (FEA) both in the public administration and between private individuals.

How to get an electronic identity card in Italy

cartaidentita.interno.gov.it

How do you get an Italian CIE? First of all, it's important to note that for foreigners to get an ID card in Italy, you must be a registered resident. It is possible to apply for an electronic identity card when one's identity card expires or following loss, theft or deterioration in your municipality of residence. Some municipalities have activated the booking service made available on the Ministry of the Interior's portal, through which you can check availability online and make an appointment. Otherwise, it is necessary to contact the dedicated office of the local administration.

Once you have gone to the municipal offices, the electronic identity card is sent directly to you, where you will receive it at the address provided at the application stage within six working days of the request.

The validity varies depending on the holder's age and is 3 years for minors under 3 years of age; 5 years for minors between 3 and 18 years of age; 10 years for adults. The issuance of the electronic identity card has a fixed cost of €16.79 in addition to the fixed and secretarial fees, where applicable, set by each municipality, including postal charges

Spid vs Electronic ID card

The electronic identity card ior CIE in Italy is one of the most useful tools for recognising the user in order to validate their Spid without having to resort to a web call with the staff of the provider issuing it. The same is true of the digital signature or the National Services Card (CNS).

Do those with an electronic identity card also need the Spid

Especially in light of the latest changes, those with the electronic identity card can access services of the public administration, and of private individuals, that require digital authentication, meaning that the Spid isn't strictly necessary but recommended if you want processes to be done as quickly as possible.