The Citizen Card expires is a situation that many Portuguese face, but still generates doubts about the consequences and procedures below. Despite being a mandatory document, its salary does not automatically imply a fine or immediate penalty.
When the citizen card expires, the holder must renew within the legal period established. This period may vary depending on the specific situation, such as age or reason for renewal.
It indicates that the card should be renewed within 30 days of validity. Renewal can be done in person or, in some cases, through online platform.
If the citizen does not renew the document within the deadline, it may be unable to perform acts that require official identification. Examples include signing contracts, document request or travel.
The fine for the delay in renewing the citizen card is only applied in situations where the lack of renewal results in proven infringement. The expected penalty varies between 50 euros and 250 euros.
The citizen card expires does not automatically prevent the circulation of the individual in the national territory, but can make it difficult to interact with public and private services. Banking institutions, for example, often require updating identification data.
On international trips, especially within the Schengen space, an expired card is not accepted as a valid identification document. In these cases, the valid passport is mandatory.
Citizens resident abroad should also pay attention to the deadlines for renewal, and may apply to the consular posts of Portugal. In specific situations, scheduling for renewal can be conditioned by the capacity of services.
Card renewal can be done simplified for holders over 25 years old who do not want to change data such as address, affiliation or name.
The simplified procedure only implies the collection of biometric data and the payment of the respective renewal fee. This model aims to streamline the process for the largest number of users.
The loss of card validity does not imply the loss of nationality or fundamental civil rights. However, the lack of valid document makes it difficult to prove these rights before third parties.
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The expired document may also be requested for the purposes of confirmation of identity in legal proceedings, but may be necessary to present other proofs.
In case of expiration, the citizen continues to appear in the official databases as the holder of a citizen card, but his electronic validity is suspended.
The digital keys associated with the citizen card, such as the qualified digital signature, become invalid after the expiration of the document. The citizen must renew the card to restore these features.
There are situations of automatic renewal, in specific cases and duly reported by the competent authorities, to avoid accumulation of orders in certain periods.
In the case of an lost or damaged card that is also expired, the renewal process implies a replacement request with additional justification.
In the context of pandemic or emergency, authorities may extend the validity of expired cards to ensure citizens’ access to essential services.
Expired card renewal has variable costs depending on the urgency of the order. An urgent order implies an additional cost, while normal renewal follows the base price table.
Holders should be aware of communications sent by public services, which often warn of the proximity of the card validity.
The pre-schedule system for card renewal is recommended to avoid unnecessary travel and reduce waiting time in service services.
Children under 12 are not required to renew the citizen card soon after maturity, except in specific situations that require update.
The renewal of the citizen card can be done at any civil registry office, a citizen store or, in certain cases, electronically, provided that the eligibility requirements are met.
Failure to comply with the duty of renewal does not lead to detention or the opening of criminal proceedings, in the case of an administrative infraction.
Citizens must ensure the timely renewal to ensure full access to all services and compliance with legal obligations resulting from the title of the citizen card.
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