Do You Need to Renew All Your Documents When Changing Residency?

Updating Residency Information on Official Documents

Various documents, such as ID cards and passports, include the holder’s residency information.
One common dilemma is the correct procedure to follow in case of a change of residency.
After moving, one ends up with documents that display an incorrect address, no longer corresponding to the actual place of residence.

So, do all documents need to be renewed? Not necessarily.
In some cases, it is only necessary to update residency information on certain documents, while for others, it is sufficient to wait until the renewal to communicate the new address.

ID Card and Passport

The ID card and passport are among the most important documents for a citizen.
The ID card is generally the primary identification document, while the passport, in addition to serving this function, allows for travel outside the European Union.

Both documents include various personal data of the holder, including the registered residency at the time of issuance or renewal.
The home address is not crucial for the functionality of the passport or ID card, and therefore, it is not mandatory to renew these documents in case of a change of residency.

Instead, one should wait for the natural expiration of the document (which can be expedited in case of loss or theft duly reported) to update the residency.
It is essential to provide accurate information since both the registry office and the civil status officer are public officials, and declaring a false residency would constitute a crime.

Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration

Currently, the Italian driver’s license no longer includes a field for residency due to a European Union directive.
Previously, failing to update the residency on the driver’s license could result in an administrative sanction.

Although the residency is no longer present on the driver’s license, it is important to ensure that the address is updated for communications from the Civil Motorization and the Ministry of Transport.
However, the Municipal Registry Office will directly transmit the data.
Information on updating residency can be obtained through the driver’s portal or the toll-free number 800.23.23.23.

For vehicle registration, now known as the Single Vehicle Document, updating the residency is mandatory.
Failure to do so may result in a fine ranging from €363 to €1,813.
The update must be carried out through the municipal office, ensuring that the National Vehicle Registry processes the information for the Single Vehicle Document update.
Information can be obtained through the toll-free number provided for driver’s license inquiries.

Health Card and Voter ID

Updating the residency is required when moving to a different municipality for both the health card and voter ID.
For the health card, a visit to the administrative office of the relevant District according to the Local Health Authority is sufficient to request the address update and receive the new health card.

The new voter ID will be delivered to the citizen who has moved their residency, as indicated by the Municipality.
Information can be obtained by visiting the designated municipal office.