E-ID Cards Unit
The Identity Card Unit (ICU) is the authority responsible for the issuing of electronic identity cards to Maltese citizens and the registration of e-ID (virtual) accounts for individuals.
Services Offered
The ICU will issue a new e-ID card whenever applicants;
- Apply for the first time (persons aged 14+ may apply);
- Change their personal details or residential address on their card;
- Report that their e-ID card has been lost or stolen;
- Turn 16, 18, 60 or 75 years of age.
First-time applicants must fill in and submit the following documentation:
- Form ID 10 – Application for a Maltese Identity Card (giving particular attention to
section D) and attach a recent passport-size photo signed by the authorised witness who signed Section D; - Previous Residence Card (whenever the applicant acquired Maltese citizenship and
formerly held a Residence Permit card bearing an “A” number); - A letter of confirmation or certificate issued by the Citizenship Unit as proof of being a Maltese citizen. This proof is not necessary if the applicant was:
- Born in Malta from married parents and at the time the father was a Maltese
citizen; - Born in Malta or abroad after 1 st August 1989 from a mother of Maltese
nationality; - Adopted in Malta when he/she was ten (10) years or younger;
- Born in Malta from foreign parents between 10 th February 1981 and 1 st August
1989 (applicable only if the parents did not form part of the diplomatic corps); - Born in Malta, emigrated and acquired foreign citizenship after 10th February
2000.
- Born in Malta from married parents and at the time the father was a Maltese
Submit online form.
Citizens requesting to change their personal details or residential address on their e-ID card must:
- Fill in Form ID10a – Application for a Maltese Identity Card; &
- Present their existing e-ID card.
In the case of a lost or stolen e-ID Card, one must file a police report and re-apply for a new card at the Identity Card Unit.
Those reporting a lost or stolen e-ID Card should:
- Fill in Form ID 10 – Application for a Maltese Identity Card; &
- Submit a Police report, clearly stating their e-ID card number.
Whenever issuing a new e-ID card in replacement of a lost or stolen e-ID card, a fee of €22 is charged even when the lost or stolen e-ID card is expired.
If the lost or stolen identity card is not an e-ID card, the applicant needs to duly fill in Form ID 10 section D, which should include (i) a declaration by an authorized person verifying that he/she knows the applicant and (ii) a passport-sized photo of the applicant signed by the same authorized witness, certifying the applicant’s identity. If the lost or stolen identity card was already an e-ID card, then there is no need to fill in Form ID 10 section D.
When applying for an e-ID Card the applicant may also apply for:
- e-ID virtual account; &
- Senior Citizen Card (if the person is over the age of 60 years).
Senior citizens of 60 and 75 years must apply for a new e-ID card. “Il-Kartanzjan” has been phased out, but all the previous benefits enjoyed were retained.
The Identity Card Unit provides a free of charge housebound service to all those applicants who have mobility issues. Submit ONLINE form. Those applicants who require assistance can send a request on [email protected] or call (+356) 2590 4300.
E-ID Virtual Account
When applying for an e-ID card, applicants may subscribe for their e-ID (virtual) account, which is required to access Government online services. Following the receipt of an application by the Identity Card Unit, the identity of the applicant is verified and an activation link is sent to the email provided by the applicant.
Applicants may choose to make use of the certificates (Authentication Certificate and Signature Certificate) found on their electronic identity card and kept on their computer. Moreover, one would also need to make use of a Card Reader and insert PIN A and PIN B, which are sent to the applicant’s residence when registering for an e-ID card. The identity card certificates are generally used for sensitive e-Government services, related to online financial services or submission of tenders.
Organisations can also register as identifiable entities for the purposes of an e-ID (virtual) account. Consequently, organisations will be permitted to make use of organisational services that can interact with online service providers. In order to register an organisation, one must appoint an Organisation Manager, who must have a personal e-ID account as well as a personal digital certificate.
The software, specifications for the e-ID card reader, as well as further instructions on how to register an organisation e-ID account are available on this link.
Service providers interested in launching an e-Service should consult with the Identity Malta Agency, and subsequently enter into an agreement.
Electoral Office
As from 12 th February 2014, the Identity Cards Unit was transferred to Identity Malta Agency. However, it was agreed that Identity Malta Agency would accept applications related to citizens’ electoral data on behalf of the Electoral Office.
The image and information captured to produce the actual e-ID card is passed to the Electoral Office and used for election related purposes, including the printing of voting documents and the publication of electoral registers.
- Persons applying for the first time (including disenfranchised persons) are required
to fill in and sign Electoral Form 1 and 4;
- Persons applying to change their address details are required to fill in and sign
Electoral Form 2; - Persons applying to change their surname and address are required to fill in and sign
Electoral Form 2A; - Persons applying to correct any information are required to fill in and sign the
Electoral Form 3.
Defining the Letter at the end of the E-ID Number
The Identity Card Unit assigns one of the below letters to the end of the birth registration number.
A | Applicable to foreign persons who have received a Residence Permit; |
B | Applicable to Maltese persons whose birth was registered between 1800 and 1899; |
G | Applicable to Gozitan persons whose birth was registered between 1900 and 1999; |
H | Applicable to Gozitan persons whose birth was registered after 2000; |
L | Applicable to Maltese persons whose birth was registered after 2000; |
M | Applicable to Maltese persons whose birth was registered between 1900 and 1999; |
P | Applicable to Maltese citizens born abroad and who find it difficult to produce an original birth certificate that they can register in Malta; |
Z | Applicable to Gozitan persons whose birth was registered between 1800 and 1899; |
Fees
First time application for an e-ID card | Free |
Renewal of expired e-ID Card or containing data that is no longer correct which are not declared as lost, stolen or defaced | Free |
Applications for new e-ID Cards in replacement of lost or stolen or destroyed e-ID Cards | €22 |
Applications for new e-ID Cards in replacement of defaced e-ID Cards | €16.50 |

Opening Hours
E-ID Cards Unit – Malta
Monday: | 07:30am – 2:00pm |
Tuesday: | 07:30am – 2:00pm |
Wednesday: | 7:30am – 2:00pm 3:00pm – 6:00pm |
Thursday: | 7:30am – 2:00pm |
Friday: | 7:30am – 2:00pm |
Saturday: | 7:30am – 11:00am |
E-ID Cards Unit – Gozo
Monday: | 07:30am – 2:00pm |
Tuesday: | 07:30am – 2:00pm |
Wednesday: | 7:30am – 2:00pm 3:00pm – 6:00pm |
Thursday: | 7:30am – 2:00pm |
Friday: | 7:30am – 2:00pm |
Saturday: | 7:30am – 11:00am |