Identity card free of charge at 16

The persons that will turn 16 will be issued with free identity cards. The Government made such a decision at its Wednesday's meeting, Info-Prim Neo reports. Under a decision made by the previous Government, free identity cards to newborns started to be issued on April 30, 2009. 5,917 identity cards have been issued by October 30. Given the importance of the identity card at the age of 16 and the difficult situation of many families, the Government decided to issue free identity cards to persons who turn 16. The costs for this category of people will be covered by the state. About 61,500 persons who do not have identity cards will turn 16 in 2010. An identity card legalized during a month costs 130 lei. A sum of 8 million lei will be needed for the purpose. In its decision, the Government says that only the first identity card will be issued free of charge at 16. At 25 and, respectively, 45, the identity card will be changed on payment.