From today, the new identity cards are issued

In order to increase the security of the document, in addition to the image, it will contain an electronic data carrier with recorded biometric data – two fingerprints and a photograph.

What are the advantages of the new generation ID card? It opens up the possibility for Bulgarian citizens traveling in EU countries to pass through the electronic checkpoints at the border crossing, it facilitates and speeds up the control of border authorities from other countries. At a later stage, with the registration of an electronic identity certificate, citizens will be able to identify themselves in a virtual environment when using electronic services and information systems.

What you need to know:

Changing the personal document is not mandatory. Identity cards issued up to and including 16.06.2024 are valid until 2 August 2031, unless their validity period has expired before then.

The term of service is preserved– ordinary up to 30 days, fast up to 3 days and express – within 8 working hours, as applications for the issuance of the new document can be submitted in all "Bulgarian personal documents" units; in the country. Those using the express service will receive their document only in Sofia in person or from an authorized person.

Identity cards of a new generation: This is what the identity documents will look like (PHOTOS)

There remains the option of issuing a free ID card for persons aged 14 to 16, valid for 4 years,

The issuance of a permanent identity card to persons who have reached the age of 58 is no longer valid. Persons aged 18 to 70 will be issued an identity card with a validity period of 10 years. Persons over the age of 70 can choose a period of validity of 10 or 30 years, and the document is again free of charge.

The fee for issuing the new documents for persons aged 18 to 70 has also been accepted.

Until the end of the year, it remains unchanged for all types of services – simple, fast and express. From the beginning of 2025, a price of BGN 30 will be introduced for an ordinary service. Until the end of the year, the tariff for the issuance of a personal document for persons with permanent reduced working capacity or the type and degree of disability of 50 and over 50 percent will be maintained, and from the beginning of the next year, a price of BGN 3 will be introduced for an ordinary service, for a quick &ndash ; BGN 6 for express – 15 BGN. An identity card with a validity period of one year is issued to persons from whom it is impossible to take fingerprints due to temporary physical incapacity. The fee for the document is BGN 3 for the regular service, BGN 6 – for the fast and 15 - for the express.

The possibility of a simple and fast service is maintained when issuing a residence card to a family member of an EU citizen. The fee for this remains unchanged until the end of the year, and from the beginning of the next – citizens will pay BGN 30 for ordinary and BGN 60 for fast service.