Italienischen Personalausweis Online Kaufen – Ein Leitfaden für den Legalen Weg

The desire to buy an Italian ID card online is understandable – whether for travel, dealing with authorities, or proving citizenship. But beware: the vast majority of offers online are scams or can lead to legal consequences. In this article, you’ll learn how to legally obtain a valid ID card, what pitfalls to expect, and why “buying” one is almost always the wrong strategy in this context. 💡

1. Why “buying” an ID card is illegal:
In Italy, the Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE) is issued exclusively by municipalities (Comuni). Private sales or online trading are prohibited by law. Anyone attempting to purchase a ready-made ID card from dubious shops risks:

Criminal charges for forgery (Art. 476 ff. Codice Penale) 🔒
Blocking of the identity card by the Ministry of the Interior
Entry bans in the Schengen Area
Loss of money due to non-delivering fake providers
The only legal way is to apply at the responsible municipality – either in person or (in many cases) online by pre-booking.

2. How to Apply for a Genuine Italian ID Card Online:
The key is not in buying it, but in the digital application process. Since the introduction of the CIE 2.0, you can complete many steps online:

✅ Requirements
You must be an Italian citizen (or be able to prove citizenship) 🇮🇹
You are registered in an Italian municipality (Residenza)
You have a valid biometric passport photo
You possess a valid passport or other ID for identification (for the first application)
📋 Step-by-step online process
Book an appointment online
Via the Prenotazione CIE portal (prenotazione.cie.interno.gov.it), select your municipality and choose an available time slot. Many municipalities offer purely online appointments – no more waiting in line at the office.

Fill out the form & upload your data.
You fill out the application form digitally, upload your biometric photo and a scan of your old ID card (or birth certificate, if applicable).

Paying fees:
The exhibition costs approximately €22–25 (including postage). Payment is made by credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer – depending on the municipality.

Collect your ID card or have it sent to you.
After approximately 6–10 working days, you can either collect your CIE in person at the municipal office or have it delivered to your home address by registered mail. The delivery is secure and addressed only to you.

Important: The card is not “sold” – it is issued by the municipality after your identity has been verified. The term “buy” is misleading here.

3. What to do if you live abroad?
For Italians living in Germany, Switzerland, or other EU countries, there are two options:

Consular issuance: You apply for the CIE (Italian identity card) through the Italian consulate or embassy in your area. This can also be done online – via the portal Prenot@mi (prenotami.esteri.it).
Agency service: There are licensed service providers who, for a small fee, handle the application preparation and appointment scheduling. Caution: Reputable providers never advertise with “buy,” but rather with “apply” or “arrange.” Check the legal notice and registration information beforehand.
4. Typical pitfalls with “buy online” offers:
The internet is teeming with providers promising an Italian identity card online – immediately, without questions, without a visit to the authorities. These are almost always scams:

Scam Warning Sign Risk
“Fake CIE” from abroad No official registration (no municipal reference) Document forgery, report at border controls
“Express service” with advance payment Payment via cryptocurrency or Western Union Money gone, goods never delivered
“Used ID” from third parties Claim that IDs are “pre-reserved” Identity theft – the ID is already blocked
Rule of thumb: If a provider does not specifically name the responsible municipality and does not provide an official application link, steer clear. 🚩

5. Conclusion: Legal and Safe Ways to Obtain Your Italian ID Card (CIE)
Buying an Italian ID card online is a myth – the reality is applying digitally. With the right preparation and an official appointment, you can get your CIE in less than two weeks without supporting fraudulent providers. Use the official portals, contact your consulate if in doubt, and avoid legal trouble. The effort is worthwhile – and your identity remains protected. 🛡️

Do you have any questions about the application process? Write them in the comments or contact your local council directly – they will be happy to help you.