Citizens will be able to choose whether their parents’ full names appear on Cyprus’ new biometric identity cards once technical modifications to the system are completed, the Interior Ministry has announced.
The changes are expected to be implemented by the end of November.
The ministry said the decision follows measures announced on 31 July 2026 concerning the new identity cards, as well as concerns subsequently raised by citizens and political parties.
The Civil Registry Department has since remained in contact with the contractor responsible for the system to make the necessary technical adjustments.
In mid-September, the Interior Minister was informed that work to upgrade the system had already begun, allowing citizens to decide whether they want their parents’ names printed on their identity cards.
According to the contractor, the required work is expected to take two months and should be completed by the end of November at the latest.
Free replacement for IDs already issued
The ministry also clarified that citizens who have already received a new identity card without their parents’ details will be able to have it replaced free of charge if they want the information added.
Once the technical changes have been completed, they will be able to take their existing identity card to a Citizen Service Centre, Citizen Centre or District Administration office and request a replacement without paying a fee.
The Interior Ministry said it will issue a further announcement once the technical work is complete, providing full details on the procedure for replacing identity cards that have already been issued.
