Application for a Luxembourg identity card
Last update
In Luxembourg, all residents of Luxembourg nationality over the age of 15 must have an identity card. If you wish to apply for or renew an identity card, there are a series of administrative procedures to follow, depending on your situation.
Non-Luxembourg residents, for whom a Luxembourg identity card is optional, must comply with certain conditions when applying.
Who is concerned
The identity card is compulsory for every person of Luxembourgish nationality who:
- is aged 15 years and over; and
- resides in Luxembourg.
It is optional for:
- children under 15 years of age;
- Luxembourg nationals who live abroad.
You may not hold more than one Luxembourg identity card.
Prerequisites
Non-resident Luxembourg nationals who have a child born abroad who is not registered with a Luxembourg authority must first apply for a certificate of nationality for their child.
Deadlines
Deadline for issuance
If you make the application at the physical Guichet.lu reception desk or at your commune of residence, the deadline for issuing the identity card is:
- 10 working days for the normal procedure;
- 3 working days for the fast-track procedure.
Additional processing time applies to requests submitted through a diplomatic or consular mission.
Deadline for collection
You must collect your identity card within 6 months of making the application. After this time, the competent authorities have the right to destroy it.
Costs
Fees due
The costs vary depending on where the application is made and the age of the identity card holder.
| Age of the holder | Validity period | Physical Guichet.lu reception desk or commune of residence | Diplomatic or consular mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| > 15 years | 10 years | EUR 14 | EUR 34 |
| 4 to 15 years | 5 years | EUR 10 | EUR 30 |
| < 4 years | 2 years | EUR 5 | EUR 25 |
For the fast-track procedure, there is a fixed EUR 45 fee, regardless of where the application is made or the length of validity of the card.
If you apply for the card at your commune, you may additionally be required to pay a chancellery tax while you are there.
Payment methods
- Physical Guichet.lu reception desk
- Commune of residence or diplomatic or consular mission
If you apply for the identity card at the physical Guichet.lu reception desk, you can pay the cost of the card immediately, while you are there, when you make the application:
- using the Payconiq app;
- by bank card.
Please note that these payment methods are not offered at the communal administration offices. It is therefore not possible to make a payment at these locations.
You can also pay the fee in advance, up to 6 months prior to the application. There are 2 ways to do this:
- online through MyGuichet.lu, using:
- Saferpay (Visa, American Express and Mastercard);
- Payconiq;
- by bank transfer or direct deposit.
The bank transfer or direct deposit must be made into the following account:
IBAN: IBAN LU44 1111 7028 7715 0000
BIC: CCPLLULL
Name of the beneficiary: TS-CE CTIE / CARTES D’IDENTITES
Address: B.P. 1111, L-1011 Luxembourg
Communication: Surname and first name of the new identity card holder
If you are making an application for several members of the same family, the total amount can be paid in a single bank transfer or direct deposit. Please remember to include the first and last names of all the individuals concerned in the communication.
If you submit your application through your commune of residence or a diplomatic or consular mission, you must pay the cost of the identity card in advance, up to 6 months before the request.
It is not possible to pay on site.
There are 2 ways to pay in advance:
- online via MyGuichet.lu, using:
- Saferpay (Visa, American Express and Mastercard);
- Payconiq;
- by bank transfer or direct deposit.
The bank transfer or direct deposit must be made into the following account:
IBAN: LU44 1111 7028 7715 0000
BIC: CCPLLULL
Name of the beneficiary: TS-CE CTIE / CARTES D’IDENTITES
Address: B.P. 1111, L-1011 Luxembourg
Communication: Surname and first name of the new identity card holder
If you are making an application for several members of the same family, the total amount can be paid in a single bank transfer or direct deposit. Please remember to include the first and last names of all the individuals concerned in the communication.
If you have applied for an appointment with the Consulate General of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Brussels, online through MyGuichet.lu, you must also state the reference number for the procedure in the communication box on the transfer slip.
In the letter informing you that the validity of your identity card has expired, you will also find a Payconiq QR code that you can use to pay directly using the Payconiq application.
Request for reimbursement in the event of an erroneous bank transfer or direct deposit
If you have made an error when making the bank transfer or direct deposit for the fee, you can request a reimbursement by filling in the form 'Demande de remboursement pour une carte d’identité' (Request for reimbursement for an identity card) (see under 'Online services and forms').
Once you have filled in the form, send it, along with proof of payment:
- by email to support@guichet.etat.lu; or
- by post to the following address:
Équipe Helpdesk eID
560, rue de Neudorf
L-2220 Luxembourg
How to proceed
Applying for an identity card
- Residents
- Non-residents
Where to make your application
If you have the Luxembourg nationality and reside in Luxembourg, you can apply for you ID card:
- directly at the Guichet.lu reception desk (with or without appointment);
- to the communal administration of your commune of residence.
Documents to be submitted with the application
Wherever the application is made, you must bring the following documents:
- proof of payment of the fee, if you have paid in advance;
- the old identity card, when making a renewal application;
- an official attestation issued by the police, in the event of loss, theft or destruction of the old identity card.
Your photo
In principle, the photo on the identity card is taken on the spot when you apply at the Guichet.lu reception desk or in your commune of residence. So there is no need to bring your own photo.
If you wish to bring your own photo, you must go to the Guichet.lu reception desk, because it is the only place where your photo can be scanned. You cannot have your photo scanned at the communal administration of your place of residence.
The photo must be:
- recent; and
- adhere to the standards established by the ICAO (Pdf, 7.62 Mb).
Where to make your application
If you have the Luxembourg nationality and reside abroad, you can apply for you ID card:
- directly at the Guichet.lu reception desk;
- at a Luxembourg diplomatic or consular mission abroad (honorary consulates are not competent in this matter).
Please note that there are no restrictions concerning the country of residence. For example, if you are of Luxembourgish nationality and you reside in Spain, you can equally make your application through the Luxembourg embassy in Washington.
Documents to be submitted with the application
You must have the following documents with you when applying:
- proof of payment of the fee;
- a valid identity document (passport or Luxembourg identity card) or, failing that, a certificate of nationality;
- a recent document (less than 6 months old) issued by the commune of residence indicating the address and the composition of the household (residence certificate, household composition certificate, certificate of domicile, etc.);
- a marriage certificate if the applicant would like the name of their spouse to be included on the identity card (only necessary if the spouse is not registered on the National Registry of Natural Persons);
- an official attestation issued by the police, in the event of loss, theft or destruction of the old ID card;
- a recent photo that adheres to the standards established by the ICAO (Pdf, 7.62 Mb), in the event of an application made with a diplomatic or consular mission.
When you make your application at the physical Guichet.lu reception desk, the photo that will appear on the identity card is taken on the spot. So there is no need to bring your own photo.
However, if you would like to use your own photo, please ensure that it:
- is recent; and
- adheres to the standards established by the ICAO (Pdf, 7.62 Mb).
Fast-track procedure
If you need a new identity card urgently, you can also request a fast-track procedure (which will incur additional costs). You must state this when you make the application.
Regardless of where you make your application, you must collect your identity card at the physical Guichet.lu reception desk upon presentation of your receipt.
Application for a child aged under 18 years old
Child who lives at the same address as the 2 parents
One of the parents can:
- make the application themselves; or
- draw up a mandate so that a third party can make the application.
In the case of a mandate, the form 'Mandat en matière de demande de passeport / carte d’identité' (Mandate regarding passport/identity card application) (see 'Online services and forms') must be filled in and signed by one of the 2 parents.
Child who lives at the same address as one of the parents
The application can be made by:
- the parent who the child lives with; or
- the parent who the child doesn't live with, if they have the other parent's consent.
To give their consent, the parent with whom the child lives must fill out and sign the form 'Accord en matière de demande de passeport / carte d’identité' (Consent regarding passport/identity card application) (see 'Online services and forms').
The parent with whom the child lives can also draw up and sign a mandate so that a third party can make the application. In that case, they must fill out and sign the form 'Mandat en matière de demande de passeport / carte d’identité' (Mandate regarding passport/identity card application). (see 'Online services and forms').
Child who does not live with either of their parents
Anyone wishing to apply for an identity card for a child must prove they have parental authority.
Names on the identity card
The surnames and first names printed on the identity card are those recorded in the National Registry of Natural Persons (RNPP).
Before applying for your identity card, check that all of the data in the RNPP is still correct. If you notice that these are incorrect, you must first request rectification.
Only 3 first names maximum can be printed on an identity card.
If you would like the name of your living or deceased spouse to also be included on your identity card, you must state this when making the application.
Issuance of the identity card
You must always collect your identity card from the place where the application was submitted. You must also bring the receipt that you received when making the application.
For security reasons, the future identity card holder must, by default, be present when the card is issued, even if the holder is a newborn or a minor. Adults without legal capacity must also be accompanied by their legal guardian.
When making the application, you can provide the name of another person (i.e. a proxy) who will collect your identity card. Their name will be stated on your receipt and cannot be changed later. During issuance, your proxy must:
- show the receipt; and
- identify themselves with an identity document.
Electronic certificates
Luxembourg identity cards (also called 'eID') contain authentication certificates and electronic signatures which the card holder can use to identify themselves when using online service. Further information on these electronic certificates can be found on the website of the Government IT Centre (CTIE).
Validity period
The validity period of the identity card depends on the holder's age.
| Age of the holder | Validity |
|---|---|
| > 15 years | 10 years |
| 4 to 15 years | 5 years |
| < 4 years | 2 years |
If, when making the application, no digital fingerprint can be taken from any of the holder's fingers temporarily, the identity card is only valid for a period of 12 months.
Renewal or replacement
You must take the initiative to request a renewal or replacement of your identity card yourself, taking the deadlines for issuance into account.
You will be informed by email 2 months prior to expiry of the validity period:
- of your identity card; or
- of the electronic certificates contained on you identity card (which are only valid for 5 years).
You must renew or replace your identity card in the following cases:
- the validity period shown on the card has expired;
- your identity photo no longer corresponds to your current appearance;
- you have lost your identity card or it has been stolen or damaged;
- your surname(s) and/or first name(s) have changed;
- you wish to add or remove the name of your living or deceased spouse;
- your 13-digit Luxembourg national identification number (Matricule) has changed.
Returning the identity card
You must return your old identity card:
- when the new identity card is collected because the old card is being renewed or replaced;
- if you lose your Luxembourg nationality.
The old identity card is invalidated.
Loss, theft or destruction
In the event of loss, theft or destruction of an ID card, you must report it as promptly as possible.
Appointments
- Guichet.lu reception desk, Luxembourg City
- Consulate General of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Brussels
Online services and forms
Online payment
Request for reimbursement in the event of an erroneous bank transfer or direct deposit
Note: view tips for using PDF forms.
Application for a child aged under 18 years old
Note: view tips for using PDF forms.
My data
Who to contact
-
Physical Guichet.lu reception desk
- Address:
- 11, rue Notre-Dame L-2240 Luxembourg
Closed ⋅ Opens tomorrow at 8.00
- Wednesday:
- 8.00 to 17.00
- Thursday:
- 8.00 to 17.00
- Friday:
- 8.00 to 17.00
- Saturday:
- Closed
- Sunday:
- Closed
- Monday:
- 8.00 to 17.00
- Tuesday:
- 8.00 to 17.00
Please note that the Guichet.lu reception desk provides general information on administrative procedures. It does not have access to the files you have submitted to a public body in Luxembourg. If you have specific questions, it will direct you to the appropriate administration.
-
Guichet.lu Helpdesk
- Address:
- 11, rue Notre-Dame L-2240 Luxembourg
- Phone:
-
(+352) 247 82 000
Our Helpdesk can be reached by telephone on working days from 8.00 to 18.00.
You can also book an appointment for a video call via MyGuichet.lu.
Please note that the Guichet.lu Helpdesk provides general information on administrative procedures. It does not have access to the files you have submitted to a public body in Luxembourg. If you have specific questions, the Helpdesk will direct you to the appropriate administration.
-
Embassies and consulates
- Address:
- Luxembourg
Related procedures and links
Procedures
Links
Further information
-
eID – The Luxembourg electronic identity card
on the website of the Government IT Centre (CTIE)
-
La carte d'identité - Explications en language de signe allemande
sur le site de la HörgeschädigtenBeratung
Legal references
-
Loi modifiée du 19 juin 2013
relative à l'identification des personnes physiques, au registre national des personnes physiques, à la carte d'identité, aux registres communaux des personnes physiques
-
Loi du 25 juin 2014
portant modification de la loi du 19 juin 2013 relative à l'identification des personnes physiques
-
Loi du 27 juin 2018
instituant le juge aux affaires familiales, portant réforme du divorce et de l'autorité parentale
-
Règlement grand-ducal modifié du 18 juin 2014
relatif à la carte d'identité
