New Croatian ID card requirements in 2026: Who is affected

(Photo: MUP)

Croatian citizens will face important changes to identity card regulations this year, including a final deadline for replacing outdated documents and the introduction of permanent ID cards for older residents.

Under current law, all Croatian citizens aged 18 and over who have registered residence in Croatia are legally required to hold a valid personal identity card.

The most significant change affects citizens still using identity cards issued before 2002 under legislation adopted in 1991.

These older documents must be replaced no later than 3 August 2026. After that date, they will no longer be recognised as valid identification and cannot be used for border crossings, banking services, post offices or any official institutions, Poslovni.hr reported.

For most citizens, the standard rule remains unchanged: identity cards must be renewed upon expiry, which is typically every five years.

Permanent ID Cards for Citizens Over 70

From 31 December 2026, Croatia will introduce permanent identity cards for citizens aged over 70, eliminating the need for regular renewals for this age group.

Who Must Apply for a New ID Card in 2026?

In addition to holders of pre-2002 identity cards, several other groups are required to submit applications for new documents during 2026:

• Citizens whose current identity cards expire during the year

• Individuals who have changed personal details, including name, surname, residence address, gender or personal identification number (OIB)

• Those whose photograph no longer reflects their current appearance

• Citizens whose identity cards are damaged or difficult to read, either visually or electronically

Citizens are required to apply for a new identity card within 15 days of the previous card’s expiry.

Failure to do so may result in a fine of €66.36.

Costs and Processing Times

The cost of issuing a new Croatian identity card depends on the chosen processing speed:

• Standard procedure (up to 30 days): €13.27

• Accelerated procedure (up to 10 days): €25.88

• Urgent procedure (within three working days): €66.36

There is one important exemption: the first identity card issued to children under 18, with residence in Croatia, is free of charge when processed through the standard procedure.

Authorities continue to stress that possession of a valid identity card is a legal obligation for all adult Croatian citizens residing in the country.

With the August 2026 deadline approaching, citizens are advised to check the validity of their documents and submit applications well in advance to avoid penalties or disruptions.