In a major step toward digital governance, Greek authorities have announced that all new national ID cards will now also include a unique 12-digit personal identification number (PIN), enabling citizens to access a wide range of state services and transactions.
The 12-digit PIN consists of the holder’s tax (AFM) number in addition to one letter and two digits they will select through the myinfo platform set to launch in May. The PINs, to be issued by the General Secretariat for Information Systems and Digital Governance, and stored in the Hellenic Police’s identity database, will allow citizens to access public services.
The new cards also include advanced biometric and security features digitally embedded in an RFID chip.
Replacing old cards (taftotites) with new digital IDs is mandatory by 2026.
Transition Period and Validity
Greece’s Citizen Protection Ministry notes that new ID cards issued before or within 30 days of the forthcoming changes will remain valid until their expiration date. All legacy ID cards will become invalid after 2027.
What’s on the New Greek ID Card
The front of the new ID card includes the cardholder’s
- color photo
- full name
- gender
- date of birth
- nationality
- ID number
- date of issue and expiry
- issuing authority
- signature
The embedded RFID chip contains:
- cardholder’s photo
- two fingerprint images
- PIN
On the reverse side includes:
- father’s and mother’s names
- place of birth
- blood type (optional)
- height
- a Machine Readable Zone in line with EU travel and ID document standards.
Cards will be valid for a period of 10 years.
How to Apply for a New ID Card
To get the new Greek ID, citizens must first book an appointment online and once they are given a date, visit the issuing police station. There are currently 367 issuing departments and 60 mobile units to manage the rollout.
A Step Toward European Standards
Citizen Protection Minister Yiannis Economou said the update is part of wider EU effort to enhance security and standardization. The new cards meet both EU and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for travel and identification documents.
Reactions
In relevant news, the abbots of the monastic community of Mount Athos, are calling on Greece’s Digital Governance minister to reconsider the PIN requirement, arguing that it will give the authorities access to a wide range of personal data raising serious questions of privacy and ethics.
The letter goes on to note that there is no binding European directive requiring this measure.
“We, too, sharing the legitimate concerns of many Greek citizens and of our monks at Mount Athos, request that the issuance of the Personal Number be made optional, allowing every citizen to choose freely,” the letter states.
