Monaco National Identity Card Guide

Overview

The Monaco national identity card (carte d'identité) is an official document for citizens and some residents of Monaco. It serves as proof of identity and nationality, and for Monaco nationals, it is valid for travel within EU countries.

Who Needs an Identity Card

Mandatory

• Monaco nationals (citizens)
• Required for some administrative purposes
• Recommended for all adults

Optional But Useful

• Long-term residents (non-citizens) may obtain one
• Useful as backup identification
• Required for certain services
• Facilitates travel within EU

Children

• Parents can obtain cards for children of any age
• New card required when child turns 18
• Child's consent not needed
• Parents/guardians apply on behalf of child

Card Features & Information

Physical Card

Specifications:

• Credit card size (85.6mm x 53.98mm)
• Plastic with security features
• Microchip with stored data
• Holographic security elements
• Machine-readable zones

Information Displayed:

• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Photo (color)
• Signature
• Issue and expiry dates
• Card number
• Nationality
• Sex/Gender

Security Features

The card includes:

• Microchip technology
• Holograms and special colors
• Watermarks
• Security threads
• Personalized printing
• Anti-counterfeiting elements

Eligibility Requirements

Monaco Nationals

• Proof of Monégasque nationality
• Must be applicant themselves (or parent/guardian if child)

Non-Nationals

In limited circumstances:

• Long-term residents with special status
• Must have lived in Monaco for extended period
• Consult authorities for specific requirements

Required Documents

For Initial Card (First-Time Applicant)

Essential Documents:

• Birth certificate (certified copy)
• Proof of residence (utility bill or rental contract)
• Current passport or ID card (or notarized copy)
• Recent color photograph (35mm x 45mm)
• Completed application form
• Valid identification (in person)

Additional for Minors:

• Birth certificate
• Parents' identification
• Parent/guardian signature on application
• Guardian's proof of residence

For Replacement Card

Essential Documents:

• Current card (if available)
• Birth certificate (certified copy)
• Proof of residence
• Recent photograph (35mm x 45mm)
• Completed application form
• Valid identification

Additional if Card Lost/Stolen:

• Police report of loss/theft
• Current passport or travel document
• Proof of replacement request urgency (if applicable)

Photo Requirements

Photos must be:

• Size: 35mm x 45mm (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
• Background: Plain white or light color
• Quality: Color, clear, sharp, and in focus
• Head Position: Facing camera, eyes open
• Lighting: Even, no shadows or glare
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed (slight smile acceptable)
• Eyewear: Removed (unless required for vision)
• Headgear: Not allowed (except for religious reasons)
• Recent: Taken within 6 months

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Allow 1-2 weeks to gather all required documents:

• Obtain certified birth certificate
• Get recent photograph
• Prepare proof of residence
• Fill out application form
• Gather all original documents

Step 2: Complete Application Form

Form Components:

• Personal identification information
• Marital status
• Occupation
• Reason for card
• Signature section
• Declarations

Available From:

• Town Hall (Mairie)
• MonGuichet.mc online
• Government offices

Step 3: Submit Application

Location:

• Town Hall (Mairie de Monaco)
• Designated government office
• Police station (some locations)

Required:

• In-person submission
• Bring all original documents
• Valid identification
• Photograph
• Completed form

Process:

1. Check office hours and any appointment requirements
2. Bring all documents in order
3. Present to staff
4. Answer verification questions
5. Review information for accuracy
6. Pay application fee
7. Receive receipt and timeline

Step 4: Biometric Collection

Most new cards require:

• Fingerprints (both hands)
• Digital photograph (taken at office)
• Signature recording
• Iris scan (some locations)

At the Office:

• Staff takes biometric data
• Usually completed same visit
• Takes 10-15 minutes
• Electronic storage of data

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Normal Timeline:

• Processing: 1-2 weeks
• Notification of readiness: By phone, email, or post
• Expedited processing: Available for extra fee (add €10-20)

Status Updates:

• Can check status online (if available)
• Contact office by phone
• Visit office for in-person inquiry

Step 6: Collect Your Card

Pick-Up:

• Must collect in person
• Bring receipt of application
• Present identification
• Sign confirmation
• Card immediately usable

By Mail (if applicable):

• Some offices offer postal delivery
• Add postal fee (€5-10)
• Takes additional 1-2 weeks
• Tracking may be available

Card Validity & Renewal

Validity Period

• General: 10 years from issue date
• Children: 5 years or until age 18 (whichever is sooner)
• Cards issued before age 12 may require earlier renewal

Expiration

You'll find expiry date:

• Printed on front of card
• Shown in card reader software
• Listed on your receipt

Before Renewal

• Check expiry date 3-4 months before expiration
• Begin renewal process when notified or when expiring soon
• Don't wait until card expires to renew
• Expired card cannot be used for travel

Renewal Process

Renewal follows similar process to initial application:

• Gather documents (some may not be needed again)
• Submit new application
• Provide new biometric data
• Pay renewal fee
• Wait for processing (1-2 weeks)
• Collect new card

Cost: €30-50 (varies)

Using Your Card

In Monaco

Official Uses:

• Proof of identity for administrative purposes
• ID for police checks
• Authentication for government services
• Access to certain facilities
• Backup identification

EU Travel

If Monaco National:

• Valid for travel to all EU countries
• No visa required
• Valid as sole travel document
• Must carry original card

Required For:

• Passport control
• Hotel check-in
• Vehicle rental
• Police identification checks

Non-EU Travel

• Not sufficient alone for most countries
• Must carry passport
• Some countries may not recognize
• Check destination country requirements

Changing Card Information

Information Changes

If your information changes:

• Name: Marriage, divorce, legal name change
• Address: Relocation or address correction
• Other: Family status, occupation

Process for Changes

Cannot be changed on existing card:

• You must apply for new card
• Follow full application process
• Pay new card fee
• Receive completely new card
• Old card becomes invalid

Timeline:

• Processing: 1-2 weeks
• Can expedite if needed
• Old card must be surrendered (if damaged/replacement)

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards

Immediate Actions

If Lost:

1. Report to local police
2. Obtain police report copy
3. Notify government office
4. Begin replacement process

If Stolen:

1. Report to police immediately
2. Provide detailed description
3. Get police report
4. Apply for replacement

If Damaged:

1. Do not attempt repairs
2. Bring card to office
3. Explain damage
4. Apply for replacement

Replacement Process

Similar to renewal:

• Provide police report (if lost/stolen)
• Submit documents
• New biometric data collected
• Pay replacement fee (€30-50)
• Wait 1-2 weeks
• Collect new card

Emergency Travel

If you need emergency travel:

• Police report and replacement request
• Apply for emergency travel certificate
• Valid for specific trip only
• Usually issued same day
• Must reapply for new card

Costs Summary

Privacy & Data Protection

Data on Card

Information stored includes:

• Personal identification
• Biometric data (fingerprints, photo)
• Signature
• Nationality
• Validity dates

Protection

• Data protected by Monaco privacy laws
• Encrypted on card chip
• Accessible only with PIN or special reader
• Handled according to GDPR principles

Your Rights

• Right to access information
• Right to correct errors
• Right to request deletion (limited)
• Confidentiality guaranteed

Next Steps

1. Determine if you need an ID card (citizen status check)
2. Gather all required documents
3. Take appropriate photograph
4. Complete application form
5. Visit appropriate office with documents
6. Provide biometric data
7. Pay application fee
8. Wait for processing notification
9. Collect or receive your card

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Official Sources & Verification

This guide is based on information from the Mairie de Monaco and MonServicePublic.gouv.mc, official government services and documentation. Card specifications and procedures are current as of the verification date.

Last Verified: 2026-04-06 Status: Active and operational