Identity Cards

All Icelandic citizens regardless of age and residence can apply for and obtain an ID card.

ID card as a travel document

ID cards are travel documents and can be presented within the European Economic Area (EEA) instead of a passport. ID cards confirm the card holders nationality. ID cards have a processor like a passport and comply with international standards and EU regulations.

The difference between ID cards as a travel document and passports, is that passports are valid as a travel document for all countries in the world, while ID cards are valid within the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA).

ID card, not as a travel document

ID cards that are not travel documents, are valid as personal identity cards and confirm the identity of the holder. These ID cards do not show nationality and are not valid as travel documents.

How to apply for an ID card?

The applicant must in all cases attend the application site in person. Note that during the summer, there can be traffic at the application sites.

Even if you have a valid passport with a photo, you must still attend the application site in person, both in Iceland and abroad to apply for an ID card. You cannot use the same photo as in the passport.

What the applicant must bring:

• Personal identity document with picture, driver's license or an identity card.

• Payment for the ID card.

If an applicant does not have a valid passport, identity card or driver's license, the applicant must be accompanied by two witnesses to the application site, complete an individual's authentication and certify in person that the applicant is who they claim to be. The witnesses must carry a valid passport, identity card or driver's license.

Application process

Children under 13 years old

• ID card as a travel document

The child´s guardians fill out the application V-951 and present at the application site.

Guardians must accompany the child when applying for an ID card as a travel document.

If one guardian is not able to attend, they must fill out a form V-951 in the presence of two witnesses, which also write their name on the document. The other guardian brings the form to the application site.

A valid identification document (passport, Icelandic driving license or a national identity card) must always be presented at the application site.

Guardians may give power of attorney to a 3rd party, to apply for an ID card as a travel document on their behalf. Form V-951 must be completed along with supporting document.

If a guardian has sole custody of the child, their signature is sufficient for the application and will Register Iceland confirm the custody.

• ID card, not as a travel document

Guardians fill out application form V-952 and present at the application site.

When applying for an ID card that is not a travel document, it is sufficient that one guardian signs a consent for its issuance.

A valid identification document (passport, Icelandic driving license or a national identity card) must always be presented at the application site.

Guardians may give power of attorney to a 3rd party, to apply for an ID card as a travel document on their behalf. Form V-951 must be completed along with supporting document.

Children 13 years and older

• ID card as a travel document

The child´s guardians fill out the application V-951 and present at the application site.

Guardians must accompany the child when applying for an ID card as a travel document.

If one guardian is not able to attend, they must fill out a form V-951 in the presence of two witnesses, which also write their name on the document. The other guardian brings the form to the application site.

A valid identification document (passport, Icelandic driving license or a national identity card) must always be presented at the application place.

Guardians may give power of attorney to a 3rd party, to apply for an ID card as a travel document on their behalf. Form V-951 must be completed along with supporting document.

• ID card, not a travel document

Children 13 years and older may attend unescorted to an application site to apply for an ID card that is not a travel document, and do not need to have an approval of guardians.

A valid identification document (passport, Icelandic driving license or an ID card) must always be presented at the application site and the applicant must therefore identify themselves by one of the following:

• Passport

• Driving license

• Previous ID card

• Nomination (two witnesses aged 18 or over and holders of valid IDs )

Delivery and prices

For individuals 18 years and older

• 9,200 ISK

• Fast delivery price: ISK 18,400.

For children, disabled and elderly

• 4,600 ISK

• Fast delivery price: 9,200 ISK

Same price is for both types of ID cards, whether it is a travel document or not.

When an ID card is ready it may be collected at Register Iceland, a District Commissioner’s office or sent by mail to a legal domicile abroad.

The processing time for IDs is up to 6 working days from the submission date of the application.

If an individual wishes to have a new ID issued instead of a damaged ID, they must hand the damaged card over to Registers Iceland or the District Commissioner and it will be destroyed upon receipt.