What is SPID, and how do I request one?
Italian public administration agencies are going digital—which means you’ll need your own, new digital ID. Read on to learn more.
4 min read
The acronym SPID stands for Public Digital Identity System. As you may have figured out, it’s a digital identifier consisting of a username and password. It allows users to all access public administration portals in Italy. With your SPID credentials, you can access a 3-level security authentication system and the online services associated with over 5,000 local and central administrations, public bodies, agencies, and private individuals, all using the same ID and password.
So, what’s SPID used for, and how do I request one? Let’s find out!
Who can request a SPID?
Anyone can request an SPID, provided they’re 18 years of age or older and have the following:
- a valid Italian ID document;
- a health card or tax code card.
You don’t have to be an Italian citizen or living in Italy to request an SPID. Foreign citizens residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad who are registered with AIRE (Registry of Italian Residents Abroad) can also request a SPID if they have a valid Italian identity document.
Banking basics
How do I request a SPID?
To request a SPID you need the following:
- a valid ID document (such as an identity card, passport, or driver’s license);
- a health card or tax code card;
- a personal email address;
- a mobile phone number.
If you are a foreign citizen living in Italy, you need a valid Italian ID document, as your residence permit will not make you eligible for a SPID. You can, however, use your residence permit to get an Italian ID card. Once you have your ID card, you can apply for your SPID.
How do I register for SPID?
When you have all the necessary documents, go to the AGID’s (Agency for Digital Italy) website dedicated to SPID and start the procedure. You will be asked to choose from several authorized identity providers and to register on their site.
You need to complete the following steps to register:
- Enter your personal information.
- Create your SPID credentials.
- Verify your identity through the methods indicated by the provider.
If you are an Italian citizen residing abroad and registered with AIRE, you can select one of the identity providers covering your area. Choose one of the icons “EU” or “World”.
Verification methods of your SPID identity
The last step of the process is the verification of your identity, which can be done in several ways:
- In person, at one of the offices of your digital identity provider.
- Connecting via webcam with the identity provider through an operator or using a video recording, combined with the bank transfer of a specific sum as an additional security measure.
- Using an Electronic Identity Card (CIE) or electronic passport on the provider’s app.
- Using an Electronic Identity Card (CIE), health card or digital signature through a USB token or smart card and the relevant PIN code.
Once verified, your SPID will be activated, and you’ll be able to use it to access public services online.
Is SPID free?
It depends. Some providers’ services are free. Others require you to pay a fee depending on the features they offer. Please take a look at this chart of providers and go through the different options to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Why is having a SPID so important?
The “Semplificazioni decree” established that from February 2021, PAs are required to integrate SPID and the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) as the only credentials to be used to access the digital services of the Italian central and local PAs.
By the end of February 2021, PAs are also required to adopt the PagoPA system for the digital payment of services. Eventually, the IO app features will be gradually expanded to allow users to make self-certifications or submit requests and declarations directly from their smartphone.
SPID credentials: convenient, secure, and digital
You can use your SPID from any device—computer, tablet, smartphone—to access online government services offered by INPS (National Institute for Social Security), Agenzia delle Entrate (National Revenue Agency), MIUR (Ministry of Education, University, and Research), INAIL (National Institute for Insurance Against Labor Accidents), and municipalities.
To log in with your SPID and access online services, click on the “Enter with SPID” button on the relevant site or app.
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SPID and N26 for digital PAs
The Italian Public Administration agencies are ready to leap into the digital world. N26 has always been digital. All our accounts allow you to manage your expenses—including payments to PAs—wherever you are, directly from your smartphone.
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