Obtaining an ID card is a crucial administrative step to prove an individual’s identity in Poland. Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing an expired card, or replacing a lost card, understanding the timeline and process can save you time and stress. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about waiting time for ID card, how to track the application status, and how to speed up the process.
How Long Do you Have to Wait for an ID Card
The standard waiting period for a new Polish ID card is up to 30 working days from the date of submitting the application and capturing biometrics (fingerprints and photographs). For children under 12, the 30-day period starts once the application and photo are submitted, as fingerprints are not required. This timeframe applies to both first-time applicants and those renewing their cards due to expiration or changes in name, gender, or marital status.
However, please note that the timeline might vary due to these factors.
● Location
Offices in larger cities like Warsaw, Kraków, or Gdańsk often handle higher volumes of applications, thus extending the processing times. As for small towns, you might get the Poland ID card quicker as there are fewer applications and procedures run more efficiently.
● Seasonal Demand
There might be longer waiting time if you apply during peak periods, such as the start of the school year or the end of holidays, when children need to enroll at the school or officers have to deal with backlogs after coming back to work.
● Document Accuracy
Errors in your application (e.g., misspelling or not updated information), missing documents, or unqualified photos can delay processing by days or weeks as you have to spend extra time correcting the mistakes.
How Long Does it Take to Replace an ID Card
If the Poland ID card is unfortunately lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. The replacement follows the same 30-day timeline as a new application and the whole procedure is similar, including filling out the application form, preparing the required documents, and submitting them online or in person. The major difference is that you should provide the previous ID card (if any) or a police report (in the case of a lost or stolen card).
How to Check the Status of ID Application
You might feel anxious about waiting for whether your application is approved. Sometimes you have to respond promptly when the authority requires extra information or documents. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the status of your case, which can be done through any of the following platforms.
● ePUAP
It is an electronic platform of Polish Public Administration Services ensuring smooth communication between customers to administration, business to administration, and the administration to administrations. Anyone with a PESEL number and registered with an ePUAP account can access the platform. To track the application status, please do as follows.
○ Visit the ePUAP portal and log in.
○ Navigate to the “My Applications” tab of your personal profile.
○ Enter the receipt number that was issued after submitting the application.
○ Check the status on the screen, including “Received”, “Processing”, “Approved”, “Rejected”, or “Delivered”.
● Obywatel.gov.pl
It is the Polish government’s official online portal for public services. It allows citizens to apply for documents, access administrative forms, and track application statuses all through a secure, user-friendly interface. Here is a detailed guide to tracking your ID application.
○ Visit the Obywatel.gov.pl .
○ Log in with your trusted profile (Profil Zaufany) or electronic signature.
○ Go to “My Applications” and locate your existing ID card application.
○ Enter your application number to check status.
Can I Speed up the Issuance of ID Card
Yes, but it is not an officially expedited service with extra fees. While the Polish government sets a maximum 30-day processing period, special cases (e.g., urgent travel or medical needs) may be prioritized at the office’s discretion. To avoid delays, ensure your application is error-free and complete. Applying in smaller towns or during off-peak periods can also help streamline the process. And we will talk about how to speed up the process.
How to Speed up the Issuance of Poland ID card
To get the ID card as quickly as possible, you must make full preparations for the application and avoid making any mistakes. Here are some useful tips.
● Ensure Document Accuracy
All the required documents must be valid, intact, and legible. For example, the photograph must present your true appearance and satisfy all the official requirements, including 35mm x 45mm (width x height), plain white background, even lighting, a fully visible face, neutral expression, eyes open, and mouth closed. To save time and money, it is advised to use a professional photo maker, like AiPassportPhotos, to generate 100% qualified photos in seconds. Additionally, remember to double-check the information you provide and make sure everything is correct and authentic, such as name, address, PESEL number, or any other personal details.
● Request Urgent Handling
Your application might be prioritized if there are good reasons, so try visiting your local office and explain why you need the ID quickly. For example, you are taking an upcoming trip or under a medical emergency, but not that expedited services are not guaranteed.
● Apply in Smaller Towns
As stated before, registry offices in small towns are less busy and the waiting time for ID cards might be shorter, so try applying at small towns like Poznań or Łódź, where staff can process applications faster.
● Apply Online
The Poland ID card can be applied online or in person. When submitting the application digitally through Obywatel.gov.pl or ePUAP, you can skip queuing up at the registry office, thus reducing the waiting time. Some criminals might build a malicious fake website to defraud money and steal identity. To avoid this, make sure to visit the official portal ending with .gov.
● Avoid Peak Periods
On public holidays, some registry offices are closed while some have fewer employees. Application filed during holidays might take longer due to the lower office capacity. If you apply offline, do not schedule appointments around holidays or administrative “rush hours”, for example, year-end tax season.
● Apply Early for Children
In the case of school trips or emergencies, parents can request faster processing by providing proof (e.g., travel tickets), but note that the timelines depend on office capacity. Moreover, it is suggested to apply at least 6 weeks before the child’s 18th birthday to transition a child’s ID to an adult’s.
How to Check If Your ID Card is Ready for Collection
Once your Poland ID card is ready, you’ll receive a notification. The card availability can be checked via the ways below.
● Online:
Log in to Obywatel.gov.pl, go to the status check page, and enter your application number.
● In-Person Inquiry:
Visit the local office with a valid ID, for example, a passport or driver’s license, and the staff there will help you check the case status.
After confirming the availability, you should bring a valid identity document and pick up the ID card in person unless you authorize someone else or request a door-to-door delivery. Those under 13 years old or completely incapacitated persons should have their cards collected by a parent or legal guardian.
FAQ
Q: How to shorten the waiting time for an ID card?
A: The waiting time might be shorter when applying online or choosing less busy offices outside major cities and providing error-free documents.
Q: Is it possible to get an ID in a week?
A: Yes. The legal waiting time for ID card is up to 30 days, but some applicants receive their cards in 1–3 weeks.
Q: How much does a new ID card cost?
A: It’s free for Polish citizens while it costs 100 PLN for foreigners.
Q: How many photos for an ID card application?
A: Only one 35×45 mm biometric photo is required, but you are advised to prepare a few more in case of loss or damage.
Read Also: How to Print 3.5×4.5 cm ID Photos in Rossmann [+ Price List]
Conclusion
The waiting time for ID card takes a maximum of 30 days in Poland. It seems a lengthy process, but you might accelerate it through the strategies in this article. Always verify document requirements, apply during off-peak periods, and pick a suitable office or apply online. To learn about the updated information, remember to check your application. For urgent needs, communicate directly with your local office. Flexibility and preparation are key to minimizing delays.
Erin Lo