Table of contents
- CIE: the key to accessing digital services
- How to activate your CIE
- What services can I access with the CIE
- CIE software and authentication from a computer
CIE: the key to accessing digital services
The Electronic Identity Card (CIE) is much more than an identification document: it is an advanced digital identitythat allows Italian citizens to securely access Public Administration digital services. The CIE ID is a strong authentication system, recognized at both national and European levels, and is increasingly being used as an alternative to other systems such as SPID.
The electronic identity card is issued by the Ministry of the Interior and can be requested at your local municipality (Comune) of residence or domicile. When applying, the citizen receives the physical card credit card-sized and two fundamental codes: the PIN and PUK, both necessary for digital authentication.
How to activate your CIE
To begin using the CIE online, you must complete the activation process. The first step is to download the CieID app, available for both Android and iOS devices. This app, combined with the card’s NFC chip and smartphones equipped with NFC readers, enables digital service authentication.
During initial setup, you’ll be asked to enter the PIN and PUK codes provided upon issuance. The PIN is made up of eight digits: the first four are provided at the time of the request at the municipality, and the remaining four are sent together with the card. The PUK is used to unlock the card in case of incorrect PIN entries.
If you no longer have these codes, you can recover your CIE PIN and PUK by contacting your municipality or visiting the official portal www.cartaidentita.interno.gov.it, under the credential recovery section.
What services can I access with the CIE
Thanks to the CIE digital identity, you can access a wide range of digital services, each requiring different security levels, such as:
- municipal services (change of residence, personal registry certificates)
- regional healthcare portals (CUP appointments, electronic health records)
- services from INPS, the Revenue Agency, the Ministry of Education
- applications for public competitions and rankings
- access to national bonuses and government incentives
Accessing these services is easy: just select the “Login with CIE” option on the service login page, bring the card close to your phone, and confirm access via the CieID app. The system can also use your camera to scan a QR codegenerated during the login process.
CIE software and authentication from a computer
To use your Electronic Identity Card on a computer, you need to install the official CIE software, available on the Ministry of the Interior website.
A smart card reader compatible with CIE is also required and connects via USB. Once installed, you can authenticate yourself on supported platforms from your PC by following the guided access procedure.
Final thoughts
The Electronic Identity Card is now an essential tool for fully participating in Italy’s digital ecosystem. From healthcare to education, from taxation to public competitions, every area of the Public Administration is now accessible online. Knowing how to activate the CIE, recover your PIN and PUK, and use it via smartphone or computer lets you take full advantage of digital identity and navigate securely across the services offered.
Questions and answers
- What is the CIE?
The Electronic Identity Card, a document that also functions as a digital identity. - How do I activate the CIE?
By downloading the CieID app and configuring the card using your PIN and PUK. - Where can I find my CIE PIN and PUK?
The PIN is split: half is provided by the municipality, the other half comes with the card. The PUK is included in the delivery envelope. - How can I recover my PIN and PUK?
By contacting your municipality or visiting the official website of the Ministry of the Interior. - What services can I access with the CIE?
Municipal services, INPS, Revenue Agency, healthcare, education, public competitions. - What do I need to use the CIE from a smartphone?
A smartphone with NFC, the CieID app, and an activated CIE card. - What do I need to use the CIE from a computer?
The official CIE software and a compatible smart card reader. - Can I use the CIE abroad?
Yes, to access Italian digital services even from outside the country. - Does the CIE replace SPID?
In many cases, yes although both systems currently coexist. - Where can I request the Electronic Identity Card?
At your local municipality (Comune) of residence or domicile, by appointment.
