You can obtain a Maltese ID card if you are a Maltese national, an EU citizen, or a non-EU citizen holding a Maltese residence permit, working permit, or freedom of movement permit.

Upon presentation, this card entitles you to discount bus fares in Malta and Gozo. It is used to open accounts at telecommunications providers, to apply for insurance, on property leases, etc.

To get your Maltese ID card visit the Evans Building at St. Elmo Place in Valletta, across from Fort St. Elmo, on the perimeter road of the city. This office is open Monday to Friday, 730hrs/7:30am to 1400hrs/2:00pm, Wednesday 1500hrs/3:00pm to 1800hrs/6:00pm, and Saturday 730hrs/7:30am to 1030hrs/10:30am.

ID cards are provided free of charge.

Bring with you:

1. Your passport. Your passport must contain a residential or working permit sticker that will not expire for at least three months after the day you apply for an ID card.
2. Your residence or working permit.
3. An application form. You can download applications online from Malta’s Electoral Commission web site.
4. A passport sized photo for your application form.
5. If you are a married female, you must also bring with you your original marriage certificate or separation/divorce papers.

When you arrive at the ID card Office, an appropriate authority will review your application form and documents. You will be directed to have your ID photo taken (free of charge). Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing – sleeveless or strapless tops are not permitted in ID photos (but you can smile if you’d like). You will then proceed to another room where you will electronically sign your card.

You will receive a letter by post within 14 days of submitting your ID card application, notifying you to collect your ID card from the same ID card Office. Bring with you this letter, as well as your passport, to collect your new ID card.

ID cards for non-EU citizens are not to be used for travel purposes. They are only to be used for identification purposes in the Maltese Islands.

Renewing your ID Card

Renewal ID cards are provided free of charge.

To renew an ID card, or change your address on your ID card, visit the Evans Building St. Elmo Place in Valletta, across from Fort St. Elmo, on the perimeter road of the city. This office is open Monday to Friday, 730hrs/7:30am to 1400hrs/2:00pm, Wednesday 1500hrs/3:00pm to 1800hrs/6:00pm, and Saturday 730hrs/7:30am to 1030hrs/10:30am.

Bring with you:

1. Your old ID card.
2. An application form. You can download applications online from Malta’s Electoral Commission web site.
3. A passport sized photo for your application form.

You will be asked to take a new ID photo. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing – sleeveless or strapless tops are not permitted in ID photos (but you can smile if you’d like). You then proceed to another room where you will electronically sign your card.

You will receive your new ID card on the same day.

By Jess Gerrow, who traded city life in Canada for island life in the Mediterranean two years ago. She is a postgraduate marketing student, blogger, and freelance writer.