Changes in the regulations regarding identity cards and passports

Changes in the regulations regarding ID cards are a response to the needs of citizens and the ongoing digitization of public services. The new solutions are intended to make life easier for Poles, increase safety and improve the work of offices.

The changes were supposed to enter into force on July 1 this year, but after public consultations, the date was postponed to December 1, 2026.

Amendment to regulations – what will change?

So far, collecting an ID card was only possible at the office where the application was submitted. Now there will be more flexibility and convenience in this aspect. The document can be collected in any commune that we indicate when submitting the application. This is a great convenience, especially for people working or living outside their place of residence.

The amendment to the regulations does not only mean greater freedom in receiving documents. The project also includes provisions specifying the procedures for handling ID cards, including transferring them between offices. This will make the process more efficient and transparent.

Another important change concerns the situation when the ID card is invalidated by an official's mistake. After the new regulations enter into force, it will be possible to restore the validity of such a document within 30 days from the date of invalidation. Importantly, the entire procedure will be of a technical nature - there will be no need to conduct a full administrative procedure.

Greater access to registers and new data in passport records

The new regulations also provide for expanded access to state registers. Municipalities will be able to confirm the identity of citizens based on data from the PESEL register, which should improve customer service. The changes will also affect passport records - new data will appear there, such as the dates and places of birth of the parents of the person applying for the document.

The project also envisages strengthening the obligation to submit declarations of parental authority under pain of criminal liability. This is another step towards increasing the safety and transparency of procedures.