The updated credit-card style style documents will have twice the longevity, new and innovative security features, and will allow users to use an unlimited number of e-signatures.
"It is planned that e-signature and electronic identification will work in a non-contact environment in the future, opening up wider possibilities for using mobile devices," the Interior Ministry said.
The visual layout is also slightly altered from the current model of eID cards which have been in use in Latvia for years already.
At the same time, for issuing identity documents have been changed.
For the less well-off in Latvia - children up to 20 years of age, pensioners and people with disabilities - the fee has been reduced from 7.11 euros to 5.00 euros. The standard charge for other people will rise from 14.23 euros to a round 15 euros, and from 28.46 euros to a round 30 euros for express processing (within 2 days).
The new documents will be issued at offices of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) and at Latvian diplomatic and consular offices abroad.
