 | ||
Bilhete de Identidade (English: Identity Card), officially the Bilhete de Identidade de Cidadão Nacional (National Citizen Identity Card), commonly abbreviated as BI, is the national identity card of Portugal. BI's are valid for 5 years from date of issue, increasing to ten years after the holder turns 30 years old, and can be renewed within 6 months from its expiration date.
Contents
The Bilhete de Identidade is currently being phased out in favor of the more technologically advanced Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card).
Uses
As of January 1, 2001 it became mandatory for all Portuguese citizens over the age of 10 to carry a valid Bilhete de Identidade. Though not required, Portuguese citizens under the age of ten can be issued the BI.
As the Bilhete de Identidade meets European Union identity card standards it can be used as a travel document within the EU and some other European countries such as Macedonia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, replacing a passport.
Appearance
The card is a 10.5 x 7.5 cm laminated card embossed with the seal of the Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Information Contained
The front contains:
The reverse side contains:
Languages
The textual portions of the Bilhete de Identidade are written in Portuguese, as well as English and French to meet ICAO standards for international travel documents.
Application
All citizens of Portugal are entitled to a Bilhete de Identidade. In Portugal, applications for a Bilhete de Identidade need to be made in person to a Loja do Cidadão (English: Civil Assistance Center.) Overseas applications need to be made in person at a consular authority (i.e. embassy, consulate-general, or consulate.)
In order to apply for a Bilhete de Identidade, an individual needs to provide proof of Portuguese citizenship. For example:
* See Portuguese nationality law for other examples
Consular authorities may require other pieces of identification (i.e. expired passports, valid passports for other countries of citizenship) as required by local law. A 3.5 x 3.5 cm color photograph is also required.
Future
Currently, the Bilhete de Identidade is being phased out in favor of the Cartão de Cidadão or Citizen Card. This new card also replaces other official documents, including the Social Security Card, the National Health Service Card, the Taxpayer Card and the Voter’s Card. The government started to issue the Cartão de Cidadão in 2008.[1]