Montenegro Sees Surge in ID Card Replacement Requests Ahead of Deadline

The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Montenegro reported a significant surge in applications for new identity cards, with a total of 4,902 requests submitted in just one day. This spike comes as the deadline for replacing the old ID cards approaches on September 30, 2023. The Ministry has confirmed that it will not extend this deadline, emphasizing the need for compliance with the law regarding the issuance of these documents.

As citizens rushed to meet the impending deadline, the Ministry noted an increase in interest for new documents, which has resulted in long queues at service counters. The statistics reveal that 10,093 applications were submitted in June, and as of the first 25 days of September, 36,041 requests were recorded.

Details on the New ID Cards

The new generation of identity cards, available since March 30, 2023, offers significant security enhancements as electronic public documents. The application process remains unchanged, and citizens are exempt from paying administrative fees, although a €5 fee for the card’s form is applicable, which can be paid at post office branches across Montenegro.

These electronic ID cards allow citizens to complete a variety of administrative tasks online, reducing the need to visit physical offices. For more information, individuals can contact the Ministry’s local offices or reach out via telephone at 020/225-341 or email at [email protected].

Implications of Non-Compliance

As the deadline approaches, it is estimated that 82,046 citizens still need to replace their ID cards. Since the implementation of the new regulations, 486,551 ID cards have already been replaced. Failure to replace the old cards by the deadline could result in financial penalties ranging from €60 to €300 for those who do not submit their applications in a timely manner.

According to the Ministry, citizens whose ID cards were issued before March 30, 2020 must comply with the new requirements. Initially, the deadline for replacing these documents was set for March 30, 2025, but it was moved up to the end of this month.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has also highlighted potential disruptions for citizens who do not replace their cards by October 1, 2023. Those who fail to meet the deadline could face challenges in accessing banking services, from signing new contracts to withdrawing funds.

As the rush for new ID cards continues, it is anticipated that similar lines and delays may soon emerge at the Health Insurance Fund offices. Citizens intending to use their new ID cards as health insurance cards will need to activate them in person, as the system is not yet fully automated, preventing online activation.

In summary, the upcoming deadline for replacing identity cards in Montenegro has led to a significant increase in demand, with the Ministry urging citizens to act swiftly to avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted access to essential services.