© Copyrighted image Living in Greece

Everyone with Greek citizenship is entitled to a Greek national ID or police identity card (δελτίου αστυνομικής ταυτότητας/(deltiou astynomikis tautotitas), although only those permanently living in Greece really need one.

Used in all public and private transactions, it is required to get an AFM (tax number), AMKA, secure a bank account or credit card, apply for a Greek driver’s license, sign a contract (lease, work, prepaid phone or subscription, utility bills, purchase a home), take part in examinations, enroll in school or a university, see a state doctor, register for state insurance, collect unemployment, get married, receive pension payments and so much more. Greeks living abroad can also use their Greek ID to renew a Greek passport without sending for certificates to verify his/her registration in Greece.

Unlike other countries, the possession of a Greek national ID (tautotita) does not hold a higher or more exclusive status, since all of the same transactions mentioned above can be performed with a passport from any country.

All residents and visitors to Greece should carry some form of identification at all times. Failure to produce proof at the request of law enforcement officials could result in temporary detention, while your identity is established and verified.

*Article last updated January 3, 2015. However, ‘Comments’ reflect a specific case and/or whatever laws were in effect at that time.

Greek ID photo is from my personal collection and may not be reused. It has also been Photoshopped, removing vital elements to help prevent forgery.

Non-citizen residents of Greece

If you do not have Greek citizenship, you do not qualify for a Greek national ID. The act of being born outside Greece to a Greek citizen means nothing unless you, your parents or grandparents applied for your citizenship, registered and obtained a certificate. See, “Greek citizenship by ancestry.”

Citizenship is also not transferable. Therefore, being married to a Greek citizen does not entitle a spouse to a Greek passport or Greek national ID, unless he/she goes through the citizenship process. See, “Ways to acquire Greek citizenship.”

Should you not qualify for Greek citizenship, it is absolutely no problem since your passport accomplishes all of the same things a Greek national ID does. It is not a permanent residence card. Residence permit cards are only issued to non-EU citizens, as explained in “Residence-Work Permits.”

Photo from Ta Nea

Yesterday and today

Greek ID cards (tautotites) used to be handwritten and only in Greek. Since 2000, they were changed to Greek and Latin characters to facilitate travel within EU/Schengen zone without a passport.

In June 2005, two further changes were made. The process of issuing a Greek ID was simplified, thus cutting the wait time from one year to a few minutes, and the mandatory age to get a Greek ID (tautotita) was changed from 14  years to 12 years*. Although the Greek ID is now bilingual and printed, it no longer has a fingerprint, lists no religious affiliation or spouse name, and does not contain a microchip that would facilitate passage through automated customs control now available at some international airports. The latter is one reason a new Citizen Card is under consideration, though a biometric passport achieves the same thing.

It is technically not a “European” or EU ID; it is a Greek ID concerned with designating a person by nationality and country, not by continent. All European countries have their own unique ID for their respective citizens.

It also does not meet the lawful Schengen standard, which is why many EU/Schengen members refuse to accept it as a valid form of identification and will ask for a Greek passport. Schengen countries, which include Greece, are required to issue IDs valid for a maximum of 10 years. However, most people keep the same Greek ID until they die and a June 2009 law only states that they must be replaced every 15 years.

The majority of Greek citizens feel no need to update or exchange their IDs, which causes problems for passport control, airlines and other border authorities because grown adults will have ID photos of themselves as teenagers.

However, as of 2011, enforcement of the 2009 law is being stepped up. Many police stations in Greece require that Greek citizens have a Greek national ID with Latin letters before accepting first-time and renewal applications for Greek passports.

*Many official websites and other online sources say that the mandatory age to get a Greek ID is 14 years. This is incorrect, which they should know if doing proper research and updates.

Greek Citizen Card or Κάρτα του Πολίτη

In September 2010, the interior ministry announced that the new Greek ‘Citizen Card,’ Κάρτα του Πολίτη or καρτότητα/kartotita would replace the Greek national ID by the end of 2011. However, Greece had no elected government from November 2011 and a coalition took power in June 2012.

A digital-friendly, credit card-sized ID with microchip will make it possible to complete secure transactions pertaining to pensions, prescriptions, taxes and other bureaucracy, saving both time and money. France, Germany (since 1967), Belgium, Italy and Spain have already phased in electronic cards or e-cards.

The Ministry of Interior opened the draft bill to public consultation in November 2010. Since then there have been no real action or details on the application process, only more debates in November 2012 on how and why it should be implemented.

*An article with photos will be published and linked here when known.

New identity cards from 2012 — minocp.gov.gr

New Greek police identity cards

On June 14, 2012, the Ministry of Citizen Protection announced it would begin phasing in credit-card sized national or police identity cards (pictured above), which harmonize with directive 2252/2004 and will be recognized as travel documents valid within the EU. Issuance was scheduled for Fall 2012, but thus far nothing has been made mandatory and no one is being forced to swap.

All Greek citizens will be required to replace their current blue national/police ID card (pictured at the top of article) in chronological and alphabetical order. Meaning, the oldest cards in circulation would be swapped first by year and surname.* The process to apply will be the same.

Current ID cards will continue to be valid until replacement.

*I will update when/if it it changes.

Where to apply

In Greece

Greek ID cards are only issued in person by local police stations in Greece on behalf of the Ministry of Citizen Protection.

To find a location nearest you, look in a map book available for sale at any kiosk (periptero) or use the List of Greek Police Stations from the Greek Passport Center website, which provides the address, map, phone number and hours of operation for each location:

• Police stations in Greece (in English)
• Γραφεία Αστυνομίας (in Greek)

According to the official website*, Identity Offices or Γραφεία Ταυτοτήτων/Grafeia Taftotiton are open daily from 7:30-14:30, except Wednesday when they operate 14:00-20:30. On Saturdays, hours are 8:00-13:00 during which only students can apply.

*In reality, many police stations do not follow the schedule set forth by the Ministry of Citizen Protection.

Outside Greece

It was agreed in September 2011 that a special unit would be set up at consulates in Germany to issue Greek ID cards to the diaspora;  and in December another was announced for Cyprus.

• Greek Missions in Germany: Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Leipzig, Munich, Stuttgart
• Greek Consulate in Nicosia, Cyprus

The official press release did not specify which locations in Germany would handle applications, only that 18 police officers would be dispatched and rotated out every three (3) months.

No other Greek consulates/embassies are currently authorized to accept applications for or issue Greek national IDs/tautotites.

*I am looking for someone who had a Greek police identity card issued in Germany or Cyprus and can share their first-hand experience in Comments.

Photo from To Vima

Getting your first Greek national ID

Everyone applying for a Greek ID for the first time must go in person and bring a witness*, not just minors who need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. There are no online applications.

1. Go to the police station or consulate (in Germany and Cyprus only) to issue a Greek national ID. Some require appointments; others do not. If police need to request your Greek citizenship records, it may take a few days and you will be asked to come back.

2. Police may ask you to fill out and sign a dilosi (statement of facts) stating your intention to secure a new ID and/or the presence of a witness.

*Special thanks to readers who alerted me of the change several months before the official website amended their article in Greek.

Documents required:

1. A certified Greek birth certificate or travel document that shows your surname/name and your father’s name
— Police will automatically request it from your οικογενειακή μερίδα/oikogeniaki merida via fax or electronically. If they cannot find it or police at that location do not provide this service, only then will you be asked to secure an original and it must specifically state that it will be used for the issuance of your Greek ID.
*Depending on when and where you apply, mainland or an island, it can take up to 2-3 days to receive the document
— Must be issued within 90 days of application

**If you are a naturalized or foreign-born Greek citizen, they may ask for:
a) a certified and printed birth certificate from your homeland translated to Greek. See, “Official translations to Greek” if you require one; OR
b) a Greek passport as a secondary identification; OR
c) a signed declaration/dilosi that you are from abroad, even though the law as written does not state this.

All Greek citizens from abroad report different variations at different times in different locations. This is Greece, everyone’s experience can vary, so please do not ask me which they will ask you for.

2. Two (2) black-and-white photos “for a Greek ID”
— Must show your entire face with an expression that is neither smiling or frowning; hair must be pulled away from the face, face must be matte and mouth closed.
— A reader who acquired a Greek ID in June 2010 says the photo’s measurements are 35 mm x 35 mm.**
— It is not a passport photo, and photographers will typically ask why you need photos. Just say ‘gia taftotita.’
*Some were asked for three (3) photos, others were asked for four (4). I always carry extras because it’s better to have too many than too few.
**Greek Police website now says 36 mm x 36 mm, but their update was posted nearly a year after my readers checked in.

3. Proof of residence — One (1) photocopy
— If you live in Greece, utility bill (DEH, OTE, EVDAP) of current residence, if you live in Greece
— If you live outside Greece, utility bill of a relative or you may be asked to sign a dilosi that you live abroad (monimos).

4. Alternate name documentation for applicant, if applicable
— Dual Greek citizens who have a name different than the transliterated Latin name should provide a photocopy of a non-Greek passport or birth certificate or other official document, and the original to show Greek authorities.
*Effective November 7, 2011. See section below called, ‘How is my Greek name written in Latin?’ for more information.

5. Pay 0.30 euro cents fixed stamp tax (χαρτοσήμο/xartosimo)

6. A document stating your blood type, issued by a private doctor, lab or IKA (Optional)

Replacing an outdated, lost or stolen Greek ID

According to the Ministry of Citizen Protection, an amendment passed June 2009 states that a Greek national ID or ταυτότητα (tautotita/taftotita) must be replaced if any of the following apply:

— Information on the ID card has changed;
— Your ID card does not contain Latin letters;
— It is worn or damaged;
— It has been 15 years since your current one was issued.
— It has been lost or stolen.

The process:

Some police stations issue Greek national IDs on the spot if you bring everything with you. Some require appointments. If the location you visit requires you set an appointment, you will complete the two steps below, then come back on a different day to turn in required documents.

You need to bring a witness if:
a) The information on your ID has changed (i.e., name); or
b) You are updating your Greek-only ID to a Greek ID with Latin letters; or
c) It has been 15 years since your current one was issued; or
d) You are a minor and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

1. Go to the police station and fill out a dilosi (statement of facts) that states your intention to cancel and issue a replacement ID
— If your ID was stolen, you must present evidence of this fact (e.g., a police report) and give a statement under which it occurred.
— If it concerns a name change, bring documentation of this fact (e.g., court document, marriage certificate).
— Police will provide you with a dilosi and tell you what to write in all cases

2. Hand over your current Greek ID to police.
— Make a front and back copy if you wish for sentimental purposes before going to the police station since you will never get it back
— If you are required to set an appointment and come back another day, make sure you won’t need it for any transactions or have other means of ID (passport, driver’s license).

Documents required:

1. A certified Greek birth certificate or travel document showing your surname/name and your father’s name
— Police will automatically request it from your οικογενειακή μερίδα/oikogeniaki merida via fax or electronically. If they cannot find it or police at that location do not provide this service, only then will you be asked to secure an original and it must specifically state that it will be used for the issuance of your Greek ID.
*Depending on when and where you apply, mainland or an island, it can take up to 2-3 days to receive the document
— Must be issued within 90 days of application.

**If you are a naturalized or foreign-born Greek citizen, they may ask for:
a) a certified and printed birth certificate from your homeland translated to Greek. See, “Official translations to Greek” if you require one; OR
b) a Greek passport as a secondary identification; OR
c) a signed declaration/dilosi that you are from abroad, even though the law as written does not state this.

All Greek citizens from abroad report different variations at different times in different locations. This is Greece, everyone’s experience can vary, so please do not ask me which they will ask you for.

2. Two (2) black-and-white photos “for a Greek ID”
— Must show your entire face with an expression that is neither smiling or frowning; hair must be pulled away from the face, face must be matte and mouth closed.
— A reader who acquired a Greek ID in June 2010 says the photo’s measurements are 35 mm x 35 mm.
— It is not a passport photo.
*Some were asked for three (3) photos, others were asked for four (4). I always carry extras because it’s better to have too many than too few.

3. Proof of residence — One (1) photocopy
— If you live in Greece, utility bill (DEH, OTE, EVDAP) of current residence, if you live in Greece
— If you live outside Greece, utility bill of a relative or you may be asked to sign a dilosi that you live abroad (monimos).

4. Alternate name documentation for applicant, if applicable
— Dual Greek citizens who have a name different than the transliterated Latin name should provide a photocopy of a non-Greek passport or birth certificate or other official document, and the original to show Greek authorities.
*Effective November 7, 2011. See section below called, ‘How is my Greek name written in Latin?’ for more information.

5. Pay 0.30 euro cents fixed stamp tax (χαρτοσήμο/xartosimo)
OR
5. Pay 9.00 euros fixed stamp tax (χαρτοσήμο/xartosimo) if your ID was lost or suffered wear and tear due to being abused (forces of nature, such as earthquake, hurricane, shipwreck are excluded)

6. A document stating your blood type, issued by a private doctor, lab or IKA (Optional)

What happens next?

Police stamp, verify and enter the information into a computer, three copies of an application form are printed out and the new ID is created while you wait or you will be asked to come back the next day to pick it up (depends on location)*. Sign the papers and ID card, which is then laminated and given to you.

If reissuing an updated or new ID to replace a former one, a completely new ID number will be assigned — you do not keep the same number. However, the old and new numbers are cross-referenced to identify you as the owner of both. The old card is held on file.

*Ask if they issue the same day or next day before submitting your papers, if time is an issue for you.

How long does it take to get a Greek national ID or tautotita?

Many police stations can issue a Greek ID on the spot without an appointment, as issuance only takes a few minutes if the right documents are found or provided.

However, some locations demand that you make an appointment and come back the next day or in a few days. It depends on the police station and how long it takes to receive Greek citizenship records, if you do not provide them yourself.

What information does it list?

Front side:
Photo
Blood type (A, B, AB or O) — Optional
Rhesus (positive/negative)
ID number
Date and place of issuance
Signature and stamp

Back side:
ΕΠΩΝΥΜΟ (Greek)
Surname (English) — Option for ‘OR’; i.e., Tzonson OR Johnson
ΟΝΟΜΑ (Greek)
Given Name (English) — Option for ‘OR’; i.e., Evridiki OR Eurydice
ΟΝΟΜΑ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ (Greek)
Father’s Name (English)
ΕΠΩΝΥΜΑ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ (Greek)
ΟΝΟΜΑ ΜHΤΕΡΑ/Mother’s name (Greek)
ΕΠΩΝΥΜΑ ΜHΤΕΡΑ/Mother’s surname (Greek)
ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΑ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗΣ (DATE OF BIRTH) — DD/MM/YYYY
ΤΟΠΟΣ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗΣ/Municipality of birth (Greek)
ΥΨΟΣ (Height) — In centimeters
ΔΗΜΟΤΗΣ/Dimotis — Place of voting rights and registration (Greek)
ΑΡΧΗ ΕΚΔΟΣΗΣ ΔΕΛΤΙΟΥ ΤΑYΤΟΤΗΤΑΣ/Municipality issuing the ID (Greek)
Stamp and signature of police (Greek)

It does not list address or phone number, nor does the current version list the mother’s name in English.

How is my Greek name written in Latin?

Names in English/Latin letters on police identities or national ID cards are typically transliterated from Greek, following a formula set by ELOT 743 that harmonizes with the International Standard (ISO 843). To see your Greek name transliterated to Latin, click “ELOT 743 Translator,” use the left column and enter your name in Greek.

Variations typically occur when you:
a) have Greek letters that do not literally transliterate to English, i.e., ψ, δ, γ, χ, ξ.
b) have a Latin name with letters that do not literally translate to Greek, i.e., B, D, G, J, W, Υ.
c) started with a Latin name that was translated to Greek, then transliterated back to Latin.

As of November 2011, law 401/2011 gives citizens the right to specify a transliterated name AND a translated name, as long as you present documentation specified above in #4 in ‘Documents required’. For example:

• ΣΤΕΦΑΝΙΑ, followed by STEFANIA OR STEPHANIE (taken from a private email);
• ΠΑΝΑΓΙΩΤΗΣ, followed by PANAGIOTIS OR PETER (taken from a private email).

Expiration date

The old Greek ID has no expiration date, but the Ministry of Citizen Protection says it must be replaced every 15 years. Therefore, you should count 15 years from the date it was issued and enter this on the airline form.

If your Greek ID hasn’t been replaced in the last 15 years, you are legally obliged to apply for a new one per a 2009 law that says all citizens should swap.

Can I still travel within the EU/Schengen using my old Greek ID?

Everyone with an updated Greek national ID in Greek/English is permitted to travel within the EU and Schengen zone as of April 2010; plus FYROM, as of August 7, 2007. Those who have the older ID (in Greek only) can still use it as a valid form of identification but must swap for a new ID. Why? Because Schengen requires Latin letters and Greek laws in place since June 2009 say that Greek IDs must be replaced every 15 years, so everyone should have done it by now. Otherwise, Greek citizens should be in possession of a biometric Greek passport to travel.

Article 5 of European Parliament and Council directive 2004/38C on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely in the territory of Member States says: “Without prejudice to the provisions on travel documents applicable to national border controls, Member States shall grant Union citizens leave to enter their territory with a valid identity card or passport and shall grant family members who are not nationals of a Member State leave to enter their territory with a valid passport.”

Note that the phrase “Without prejudice to” means the directive is not binding and leaves room for any member state to allow its own laws to override those of the EU. Therefore, an EU member state can refuse to recognize a national ID as a valid document and request a passport.

The Greek national ID or police identity card also does not follow the Schengen rule of being valid for a maximum of 10 years, which means Schengen member states can refuse to acknowledge it as a legal document for the purpose of identification or travel within its territory.

Official ministry websites in several EU member states acknowledge these gray areas, saying that EU citizens should have a national ID card or a biometric passport “as appropriate,” giving airlines, ferry companies and border authorities the right to ask for either.

*Note that some travelers report that they were able to use their Greek ID to travel between all EU member states, even if it was an old Greek ID without Latin letters. However, some were asked for a biometric passport instead.

Can I use my Greek ID to travel to/from the UK?

The UK Border Agency says that EU citizens must show a national ID card or a passport.

However, note in ‘Comments’ that Sandra was told that her British-Greek children require passports to travel, not just a Greek national ID card. Tracey shares her experience in being told by UK border/passport authorities that a Greek ID is not valid for travel, though two of her children were allowed passage at other airports in the UK. And UK border authorities wanted Elizabeth to show a Greek passport, not a Greek ID, when traveling from Paris on Eurostar.

Based on Article 5 and EU directive mentioned in the previous section, UK authorities and airlines are within their right to ask for a biometric Greek passport issued after August 26, 2006. For example, in “Ταξιδεύω στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο” (I’m traveling to the UK), Olympic Air says that passengers traveling to/from the UK are required to present the following information at check-in: Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiration Date and Country Issuing Passport. Half of these elements cannot be provided by a Greek ID alone.

Readers are free to inquire at the nearest UK consulate/embassy to receive advice. However, this is not a foolproof method since different locations and staff members dispense conflicting information.

*Hat tip to readers and commentators for providing first-hand experience, and trusted confidante CEO for sending me links & his private consultation on the above sections.

The “Official” article

My June 2007 article is based on documentation received at the police station before official government websites existed in any language, combined with the first-hand experiences of Greek citizens in my life, then updated over the years with the news articles and press releases listed below and readers’ experiences shared in comments.

After my article was published, the Ministry of Public Order website offered a poorly translated English version, which was followed by an inaccurate page by the Ministry of Citizen Protection and a third version by the Greek police website in late 2010 that does not match the requirements stated in the Greek version.

Official websites, in general, are unreliable, inaccurate and rarely updated. A Wikipedia entry also appeared years after my article and contains incorrect information.

Sources

— First-hand experience of three Greek citizens, plus documentation they collected and notes I took while accompanying one of them
— Specific experiences of Greek and non-Greek EU commentators
— Government Gazette circular FEK 1440/2005, which I translated from Greek to English
— Article 5 of European Parliament and Council directive 2004/38C — Europa.eu

Updates from:

“Σε μέγεθος πιστωτικής κάρτας οι νέες ταυτότητες” — Ta Nea
“Ξανά στην ουρά για νέες ταυτότητες” — To Vima
“Έκδοση Δελτίου Ταυτότητας” — Astynomia.gr
“Νέα δελτία ταυτότητας για το αστυνομικό προσωπικό” — passport.gov.gr
“Κάρτα του Πολίτη αντί αστυνομικής ταυτότητας” — To Vima
“Από σήμερα μέχρι της 12 Δεκεμβρίου η δημόσια διαβούλευση για την Κάρτα του Πολίτη” — Imerisia
“Χωρίς ευαίσθητα στοιχεία η κάρτα του πολίτη” — Ta Nea
“Cancellation of identity cards” — UK Identity and Passport Service
“Ταξιδεύω στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο” — Olympic Air
“Έκδοση δελτίων ταυτότητας Ελλήνων πολιτών σε Κύπρο και Γερμανία” — Naftemporiki
“Σε μορφή πιστωτικής κάρτας οι νέες αστυνομικές ταυτότητες” — Ta Nea
“Τον Σεπτέμβριο ξεκινάει η διάθεση των νέων δελτίων ταυτότητας” — To Vima
“Γερμανοί αστυνομικοί για τους λαθρομετανάστες” — Ta Nea
“Αντιδράσεις Χρυσής Αυγής για την «Κάρτα του Πολίτη»” — Naftemporiki
— UK Border Agency
— Government Gazette circular FEK 1253/2009, which I translated from Greek to English
— First-hand information from C.E.O. in 2011 and 2012
— Readers’ contributions below in Comments

In the News

“UK border agency adept in spotting forged Greek ID cards” — Weston Mercury (article no longer archived)
“Man arrested in Athens over stealing 9 million files, including Greek ID data” — Reuters
“Men caught with fake Greek IDs” — Cyprus Mail

Related posts

“Greek passport”
“Converting to a Greek driver’s license”
“Certify a photocopy, dilosi or other document in Greece”

http://bit.ly/GreekID