site.bta47, 000-Plus New-Generation Identity Cards Issued

The Interior Ministry has already issued over 47, 000 identity cards of the new type, Stoyan Stefanov, Head of the Bulgarian Identity Documents Directorate at the Interior Ministry, said in a BTA interview. 

There is an increased interest by members of the public who want to replace their ID cards before the expiry date with the new card, he added.

A few days ago, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a centre where documents will be produced. The new centre will be equipped with production, laboratory and storage facilities that meet modern security requirements. In addition, a new state-of-the-art administrative service centre will be built, where Bulgarian citizens from all over the country will be able to apply for and receive Bulgarian identity documents. Efforts are made to complete the construction works by the end of the year.

Stefanov explained that the new identity card has an electronic data carrier that records biometric data, just like a passport, and that it allows travel and passage through automated electronic checkpoints (as is currently the case with a passport). The difference is that an electronic identity certificate will additionally be stored in the electronic data carrier of the identity card, which will allow citizens to identify themselves in a virtual environment and use electronic services.

Replacement of the personal document is not compulsory, and the ID cards issued will be valid until their expiry. Old-generation cards issued until June 16, 2024 inclusive will be valid until August 2, 2031 unless they have expired before that