Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card)
Renew your Citizen Card, find out what documents you need, validity periods and where to apply in person or online.
What you need before you start
- Previous Citizen Card or ID card (if renewing)
- Recent passport-style photographs (for in-person applications)
- Proof of current address
- NIF (Tax Identification Number)
- Issuance fee (varies depending on urgency)
Step by step
Go to the IRN portal at www.irn.mj.pt or ePortugal
For online renewal: authenticate with CMD and fill in the form
For in-person application: schedule an appointment at 'siga.marcacaodeatendimento.pt'
Go to the Espaço Cidadão or Registry Office on the scheduled date and time
Submit the required documents and pay the issuance fee
The new Citizen Card is sent by post within 5–10 business days
Activate the PIN and signature PIN using the activation letter received
Tip: If in doubt, always contact the official service directly.
Editorial review
This section highlights the practical details that usually cause mistakes or delays. For the final decision, always confirm the official source.
Last reviewed: March 28, 2026
IRN - Cartao de Cidadao
https://www.irn.mj.pt/IRN/sections/irn/a_registral/registo-civil/servicos/cartao-de-cidadao/Autenticacao.gov
https://www.autenticacao.gov.pt
Online renewal can be faster, but in-person requests and delivery times still depend on the office, urgency level and collection method chosen.
Official fees apply for issue, renewal and urgent requests. The amount varies by age, request type and the speed you choose.
- Booking an appointment before checking whether the request can be completed online.
- Arriving without PIN letters, supporting documents or the required photo where applicable.
- Confusing an address update with a full card renewal.
Can I always renew online?
No. Online renewal depends on your situation and on whether previous biometric data can still be reused. If not, you need an in-person appointment.
Does changing my address update the card immediately?
Not immediately. You first confirm the change with the official codes you receive, and only then is the new address reflected in the government systems.
If you notice a change on the official portal, send us a correction so we can review this guide quickly. Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card)
Send a correctionReady to get started?
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