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PhrasesAt the TobacconistPosso fare la carta d'identità qui?
B1

Posso fare la carta d'identità qui?

Can I apply for an ID card here?

Pronunciation

i-den-ti-TÀ — four syllables; the accent on the final 'à' shows it carries the stress.

When to use it

Use this at tobaccherie that offer CIE (Carta d'Identità Elettronica) services on behalf of the municipality. Not common but increasingly available in some Italian cities.

What it means

'Posso fare' is a common colloquial way of asking 'can I get/apply for'. The CIE is a biometric ID card that has largely replaced the old paper card. It is technically issued by the comune (municipality), but some authorised service points (including certain tabaccherie) can accept applications and take biometric data.

Variations

Devo rinnovare la carta d'identità — dove vado?

I need to renew my ID card — where do I go?

If the tabaccheria doesn't offer the service, they will direct you to the comune

La mia carta d'identità è scaduta. È un problema?

My ID card has expired. Is that a problem?

Expired documents can sometimes still be used for some purposes

Quanto tempo ci vuole per avere la nuova carta?

How long does it take to get the new card?

CIE processing typically takes 6 working days

Mini Dialogue

— Posso fare la carta d'identità qui? — No, per quella deve andare al comune. Ma possiamo prenotarle l'appuntamento. — Sì, grazie, quando è disponibile? — Martedì alle dieci e mezza.

— Can I apply for an ID card here? — No, for that you need to go to the town hall. But we can book the appointment for you. — Yes, thank you, when is available? — Tuesday at ten thirty.

Cultural Note

The CIE (Carta d'Identità Elettronica) was introduced in Italy in 2016 and is now the standard form of national ID. It functions as a travel document within the EU and contains a chip with biometric data. Appointments to obtain or renew it are made through the national 'Agenda CIE' booking portal.