How often do you need to renew a Belgian ID card?

Renew your Belgian eID every 10 years, as that is how long it is valid for adults (ages 12 to 18: 6 years). You receive a letter when your card is about to expire.

At the end of the validity period, the Belgian Federal Public Service Home Affairs sends a letter asking you to apply for a new card. Apply in good time at your municipality, as production takes a few weeks. After loss, theft or a change of name you replace the card sooner.

1. Check the expiry date on your card
2. Book an appointment at your municipality once the letter arrives
3. Bring a recent passport photo if your municipality asks
4. Collect the new card with your PIN and PUK codes

20 to 45 minutes.

• invitation letter
• current ID card

Belgium: the electronic identity card (eID) is valid for 10 years, or 6 years for young people aged 12 to 18. Since 31 March 2026, people aged 75 and over also receive a card valid for 10 years when they renew. At the end you receive a letter asking you to apply for a new card.

This applies to the Belgian eID. If you are 75 or over and still have a 30-year card, it stays valid until the date on it, but online login and digital signing may fail after 10 years; your municipality will then replace the card free of charge.

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This is a general guideline. Always follow the manual of your appliance or product too.

Source

• FOD Binnenlandse Zaken – Rijksregister (IBZ) — eID
• Gemeente Sint-Katelijne-Waver (lokaal bestuur) — Identiteitskaart (voor burgers met Belgische nationaliteit)
• FOD Binnenlandse Zaken – Algemene Directie Identiteit en Burgerzaken (IBZ) — FAQ Identiteitsdocumenten: geldigheidsduur van de elektronische identiteitskaart

Checked on: 2026-09-27

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