While a Latvian resident, whether a citizen or not, has a valid passport, the eID will not be mandatory until 2031.
The deadline for mandatory electronic identification (eID) cards was set as 2023 four years ago, so the authorities had plenty of time to prepare. But because the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) is struggling to provide eID cards to all who need them with thousands required and just a matter of weeks left, eight years of breathing space was suddenly found.
"Thus, the introduction of an eID card as a mandatory personal identification document will take place gradually without setting a specific date, as previously envisaged," said Daiga Mieriņa, Chair of the responsible State Administration and Local Government Committee.
According to the amendments, persons over the age of 15 are required to receive an eID when their passport expires. If the person wishes, he or she will be able to obtain a passport at the same time as the eID card.