Romania Electronic Identity Card (CEI) Photo: Taken at the Counter — Do Not Wear White

For Romania’s electronic identity card (cartea electronică de identitate, CEI) you do not bring a photo. The government portal carteadeidentitate.gov.ro says the issue of a CEI or a simple identity card (CIS) requires the holder’s physical presence at the counter, to take the facial image, the fingerprints of two fingers (where applicable) and the handwritten signature.

What to wear for the photo

The portal calls the photograph an essential moment of the issue: it is the main visual element of identification. It recommends not wearing white or very light-coloured clothes, which give no clear contrast with the background — as a rule white — and create the «floating head» effect.

Fingerprints

For the CEI two fingerprints are taken, as a rule the flat prints of the left and right index fingers. To avoid a repeat: clean hands, let wet wipes evaporate completely, press firmly and evenly and hold the finger still on the sensor.

Where and how to apply

• Since 1 August 2025 the CEI can be requested at any local public community service for the records of persons, regardless of domicile or residence. Romanian missions abroad will follow at a date to be announced.
• The CIS can be requested only in the country, at the service of your domicile.
• Appointments are made online only on hub.mai.gov.ro — not by phone or e-mail. Bring the original payment receipt.
• You must collect the CEI personally, because the two PIN codes are set at that moment; neither card is issued on a power of attorney.
• Citizens must request an identity document within 15 days of turning 14, and a new one at most 180 days and not later than 15 days before expiry.

See our Romania ID card photo page for the format.