Romania is moving forward with a significant overhaul of its national identification system, with plans to launch an upgraded ID card in 2026 that will incorporate health insurance details and academic credentials [[1]]. The new card will also function within a forthcoming digital wallet, a move intended to streamline citizen access to government services and reflect a growing international trend toward digital identification. Backed by a 130 million euro investment from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the initiative aims to issue at least three million updated IDs by 2026, building upon the more than 1.2 million electronic ID cards already in circulation [[2]].
Romania’s National ID Card Getting a Digital Upgrade in 2026
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Romania is set to overhaul its national ID card in 2026, adding health insurance information and academic credentials to the digital document. The updated ID will also be integrated into a digital wallet, streamlining access to essential services.
Deputy Prime Minister Oana Gheorghiu announced the new document will be part of an “electronic wallet” designed to centralize key documents for citizens interacting with the government. The new ID cards will feature a different design and a chip similar to those found in passports.
“The electronic wallet is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. At that point, it will bring together everything we need – diplomas, health cards, and other documents,” explained Deputy Prime Minister Gheorghiu in an interview with Europa Liberă. The move reflects a broader global trend toward digital identification and citizen services.
Over One Million Romanians Have Received Digital ID Cards
To date, more than 1.2 million Romanians have received the electronic ID card, which includes a digital signature and is issued free of charge.
However, the rollout has faced some hurdles, with some institutions lacking the necessary card readers and staff needing additional training.
“The ID card will be used in all public institutions because the state cannot sabotage itself, and that’s what we will do,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated, adding that authorities are working to address equipment and local budget issues.
Starting in May 2025, the electronic ID card became available in several counties across Romania. Appointments for the new IDs were initially available online only, and citizens can request an electronic ID card regardless of whether their current ID has expired.
What is the Government Cloud and How Will it Work, Launching Summer 2026
A key component of the digital system is the government cloud, which is expected to become operational in the summer of 2026.
“It was supposed to be completed. It is almost finished. I also discussed this with STS and ADR, and it will be functional this summer,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister Gheorghiu.
The government cloud will facilitate data exchange between state institutions and support the use of new digital tools, including the electronic wallet associated with the ID card. The main goal of this project is to reduce bureaucracy and eliminate the need to present physical documents at counters.
Digital ID Cards and Electronic Wallet Funded by PNRR
The project is funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), which allows for the issuance of at least three million electronic ID cards by 2026. The estimated investment value is approximately 130 million euros.
Once the digital infrastructure is fully functional, authorities aim for the new ID document to become the primary key to accessing public digital services. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize government services and enhance citizen access in the digital age.
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