Bulgarian identity card
The Bulgarian identity card is a compulsory identity document issued in Bulgaria. The document is issued by the police on behalf of the Ministry of Interior and is the main form of identification on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. All Bulgarians are obliged by law to carry their identity cards with them at all times and are subject to fines should they not.
Since 1 January 2007, the Bulgarian identity card can be used for travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area instead of a Bulgarian passport. In addition, the Bulgarian identity card is accepted as a travel document by European microstates, the French overseas territories, Montserrat, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Cyprus, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and organized tours to Tunisia.
History
The Bulgarian identity card is first issued and is compulsory after turning 14 years of age. The new Bulgarian ID cards were introduced in 1999. They follow the general pattern in the EU and replaced the old, Soviet-style "internal passports", also known as "green passports". On 29 March 2010 Bulgarian identity cards were updated.A new model complying with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1157 was announced on 5 April 2023 and were released on 17 June 2024.
Physical appearance
The physical appearance of the Bulgarian identity card is similar to that of a credit card, the identity card is plastic and rounded-rectangular in shape. On the left side is the photograph of the bearer. On the top edge of the card, the name Republic of Bulgaria is available in two languages, Bulgarian and English, written in capital letters, below, the name of the card is available in the same two languages and also written in capital letters. The middle part of the flag of the Republic of Bulgaria and the coat of arms of the Republic of Bulgaria are also displayed on the identity card.Furthermore, the following information is contained on the front side of the card:
- The unique 9-digit ID number of the card
- The cardholder's full name, sex, and date of birth
- The cardholder's uniform civil number : a unique 10-digit number that serves as national identification number
- Date of expiry of the card
- Cardholder's signature
Issuing Identity Cards in Bulgaria
General Application ProcessTo obtain an identity card, applicants must complete a form available at any District Police Station and submit it to the station's Identity Documents and Passport Regime Unit. The application process requires the applicant's presence to capture a digital photograph and two fingerprints. First-time applicants, such as those turning 14, are also required to present a valid birth certificate.
Requirements for Naturalized Citizens
Citizens who have acquired Bulgarian citizenship by naturalization must apply for their first identity card personally. In addition to the standard requirements, they must present:
1. The official Certificate of Bulgarian Citizenship.
2. A valid Certificate of Permanent Address.
3. Their valid foreign passport or identity document.
4. A birth certificate.
Online Renewal
Bulgarian citizens can also renew their identity cards online via the Ministry of Interior’s e-services portal. This requires a valid Qualified Electronic Signature. This option is strictly available only if the applicant’s biometric data was collected within the last 59 months. Additionally, there must be no changes to the applicant's name, permanent address, or gender. If applying online, the finished identity card must be collected personally to verify the cardholder's identity; proxies are not permitted for collection in this specific case.
Renewals via Representative
For renewals where the applicant's appearance has not significantly changed, a representative with a notarized power of attorney may submit the application. However, the entire process cannot be delegated:Submission by Proxy: If a representative submits the application, the applicant must collect the new ID personally.Collection by Proxy: If the applicant submits the application personally, an authorized representative may collect the ID.
''Note: This proxy option does not apply to passport applications, which strictly require the applicant's physical presence for fingerprinting during submission.''
Issuing Identity Cards outside Bulgaria
Bulgarian citizens residing abroad may apply for an identity card at the nearest Bulgarian diplomatic or consular mission. The process is as follows:Submission: You must appear in person to submit the application and have your biometric data taken. First-time applicants must present a birth certificate.
Timeline: Issuance abroad takes longer than in Bulgaria, typically up to 90 days for standard service using the diplomatic pouch.
Fast-Track Delivery: Applicants can pay an additional fee for DHL delivery. This expedites the transport of the finished card from Bulgaria to the consulate, significantly reducing the waiting time, though it does not speed up the printing process itself.
Collection: The finished card must generally be collected personally. However, if the application was submitted personally, you may authorize a representative to collect it using a notarized power of attorney.
Online Renewal
Bulgarian citizens can also renew their identity cards online via the Ministry of Interior’s e-services portal. This requires a valid Qualified Electronic Signature. This option is strictly available only if the applicant’s biometric data was collected within the last 59 months. Additionally, there must be no changes to the applicant's name, permanent address, or gender. If applying online, the finished identity card must be collected personally to verify the cardholder's identity; proxies are not permitted for collection in this specific case.