Letërnjoftimi

Letërnjoftimi is the Albanian term for the national identity card, an official government-issued document that certifies a person’s identity and nationality. It serves as a primary form of identification for citizens in daily life, enabling access to public services, participation in elections, and verification of age or residence.

Issuing authority and process: In Albania and Kosovo, letërnjoftimi is issued by the state authorities responsible for civil status and internal affairs, typically the interior ministry or its regional offices, along with civil registries. Applicants usually must provide proof of citizenship and identity, such as birth documentation and photographs, and may be required to submit fingerprints. Applications involve a formal process and may entail fees and processing times.

Contents and technology: A modern letërnjoftimi includes personal data such as full name, date and place of birth, nationality, a unique identification number, gender, a photograph, and the holder’s signature, along with issuance and expiry dates. Many contemporary cards are biometric, incorporating a contactless chip and magnetic or machine-readable elements to facilitate identity verification and automated checks.

Validity, use, and travel: The card is used to verify identity in daily activities, access public services, and exercise civic rights. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may also function as a travel document within certain regional or bilateral agreements; for international travel, a passport is commonly required.

Security and renewal: Identity cards incorporate security features to prevent forgery and must be renewed upon expiration or earlier if lost, stolen, or damaged. Renewal procedures typically require updated photographs and verification of citizenship and residency.