Bilhete de Identidade (Portugal)
Bilhete de Identidade (BI) was Portugal’s national identity card. Introduced in 1919, it has been gradually replaced since 2008 by the Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card), a single, more secure ID. Today the BI is rarely used, but it may still be issued in certain cases.
Who needs it and how long it lasts: Portuguese citizens aged 10 and over are required to carry a valid BI, though many now use the Cartão de Cidadão. The BI’s validity was five years for people under 25, and ten years for others; it can be renewed up to six months before expiry.
Types and travel use: The BI includes National Citizen Identity Cards and Foreign Citizen Identity Cards for foreigners living in Portugal. Because it meets EU standards, the BI can be used as a travel document within the EU and in a few nearby countries like North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Appearance and language: The card is a laminated 10.5 by 7.5 cm card with the seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It lists personal details in Portuguese, with English and French translations to meet international travel standards.
How to apply: In Portugal, applications are made in person at a Loja do Cidadão. For overseas applicants, go to a Portuguese embassy or consulate. You must prove Portuguese citizenship for a first BI. A 3.5 by 3.5 cm color photo is required.
History and security: In the past, people needed several documents (like Social Security, Health, Tax, and Voter cards); the BI was often counterfeited. Since 2006 authorities have moved toward the Cartão de Cidadão, a secure smart card that replaces multiple documents. Identity documents are no longer issued by consulates; they are issued in Lisbon, though you can apply from abroad.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 05:05 (CET).