27-09-2018 18:54:31
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Portugal : National Citizen Identity Card (2017) 3-Month Validity

Bilhete de Identidade (Identity Card), officially the Bilhete de Identidade de Cidadão Nacional (National Citizen Identity Card), commonly abbreviated as BI, is the national identity card of Portugal. From 1 January 2001 it became mandatory for all Portuguese citizens over the age of 10 to carry a valid Bilhete de Identidade. BI's are valid for five years from date of issue for people under the age of 30, and then for ten years, and can be renewed 6 months before expiry. It is mandatory for all citizens above the age of 10, and available optionally for children.

Since 2008 the Bilhete de Identidade and several other documents were being phased out in favor of the single, more technologically advanced Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card). However, as of 2017, BIs continued to be issued in some cases.

As the Bilhete de Identidade meets European Union identity card standards it can be used as a travel document within the EU and some other European countries such as Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, replacing a passport.

The  laminated card is embossed with the seal of the Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).