From today citizens can apply for the new type of ID card at the ASP multifunctional centers. The ID card has a new format and a higher level of security. The first one million ID cards will be issued free of charge to citizens who apply for the document within 20 working days, IPN reports.

The ASP notes that during the first month of the launch, ID cards will not be available on an emergency basis. Those who will need an emergency ID card will receive temporary ID cards, which have the same legal value as a permanent ID card on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The provisional ID card will be issued free of charge to citizens on the date of application.

The new identity document - ID card contains electronic signature. Holders will be able to authenticate themselves in information systems and sign official documents, applications or declarations without having to go to the offices of public institutions.

Once the one million identity cards issued free of charge have been used up, citizens will have to pay 290 lei for an identity card issued within 20 working days and 100 lei for a document issued provisionally at the time of application.

Citizens who hold a valid identity card are not obliged to get a new one. Identity cards remain valid until they expire.

New identity cards will be issued to Moldovan citizens who have reached the age of 14. At the request of the legal representative, the document may also be issued before the age of 14.

The validity of ID cards will be different depending on the age of the holder. ID cards for children up to the age of 7 will be valid for 4 years.

For holders aged between 7 and 14 the validity period will be 7 years and for persons aged between 14 and 70 it will be 10 years.

After the age of 70, the validity of the ID card is unlimited.