Armenia is preparing to introduce significant changes to the procedures for obtaining passports and identification cards, with new requirements scheduled to take effect no later than November 1, 2026.
The reforms will affect document validity periods, application procedures, government fees and the requirements for citizens aged 16 and older.
Under the new legislation, identification cards will become mandatory for citizens aged 16 and above, while passport applications will be linked to possession of a valid ID card.
According to information published by Iravaban.net, the changes are established by the Law on Identity Documents (HO-210-N), adopted on May 11, 2026, and amendments to the Law on State Duties (HO-215-N).
Both laws are scheduled to enter into force on the tenth day following an official announcement concerning the launch of the unified electronic platform, but no later than November 1, 2026.
Here are eight important changes citizens should know before applying for new documents.
1. Identification Cards Will Become Mandatory From Age 16
One of the most significant changes concerns the mandatory use of identification cards.
Under Article 3 of the new law, Armenian citizens aged 16 and older will be required to possess an identification card.
A passport will be issued to a citizen in this age group only if they have an identification card.
This effectively establishes the ID card as the primary identity document for adults and older teenagers.
Different rules apply to children under 16.
Children may receive a passport regardless of their age and without first obtaining an ID card. For children aged 6 to 15, obtaining an identification card will remain optional.
2. New Validity Periods for Passports and ID Cards
The legislation also establishes specific validity periods depending on the type of document and the applicant’s age.
Identification cards will be valid for five years.
Passport validity will depend on age:
Age group
Passport validity
Children under 6
3 years
Children aged 6 to 15
5 years
Citizens aged 16 and older
10 years
Citizens should take these validity periods into account when planning international travel or applying for replacement documents.
3. New Passport and ID Card Fees
The amendments to the Law on State Duties establish the following fees:
Document
State fee
Passport
28,650 AMD
Identification card
5,950 AMD
The fees are calculated using the standard state duty base of 1,000 AMD.
The government will also have the authority to introduce financial assistance for certain categories of applicants, potentially covering all or part of the applicable fee.
However, the legislation cited in the report does not specify which groups will qualify for such assistance. These details would need to be established through additional regulations.
4. Applications Will Be Submitted Through an Online Platform
Another major change involves the application process.
Under Article 10, citizens will apply for identity documents through a unified electronic platform.
The procedure will involve several stages:
Submitting an application through the electronic platform.
Verifying personal information against the State Population Register.
Paying the applicable state fee.
Scheduling an appointment.
Attending the appointment to provide biometric information.
Following the appointment, applicants will receive a notification regarding issuance or refusal.
For applications submitted in Armenia, the notification is scheduled for the 14th working day.
For applications submitted abroad, the notification period will range from the 14th to the 45th working day.
These periods concern notification of the decision and should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of physical delivery on the same day.
5. Existing Passports and ID Cards Will Not Automatically Expire on November 1
Citizens will not be required to replace all their existing identity documents immediately when the new legislation takes effect.
Passports and identification cards issued under the previous laws will generally remain valid until their stated expiration dates.
However, Article 16, Part 5, contains an important provision.
It states that identity documents issued before the new law enters into force will lose their validity when a person obtains an identity document under the new legislation.
The wording raises a question about whether obtaining one new document invalidates only the previous document of the same type or potentially other previously issued identity documents.
Citizens planning to travel with an existing passport should clarify this issue with the competent authority before applying for a new ID card.
The legislation also provides for the possibility of requesting the return of an old passport in a perforated, invalidated condition when obtaining a replacement.
6. Completed Documents Must Be Collected Within 12 Months
The new rules introduce a deadline for collecting completed documents.
If an applicant fails to collect a passport or identification card within 12 months after receiving notification that the document has been issued, it will automatically lose its validity under the law.
No separate administrative decision will be required for this to happen.
This means that a document may become invalid even if the applicant has already paid the state fee and completed the application process.
Applicants should therefore collect their documents within the established period.
7. Lost or Stolen Documents Must Be Reported Electronically
The procedure for reporting missing identity documents will also change.
If a passport or identification card is lost or stolen, the holder must report the incident through the unified electronic platform.
Citizens abroad may also report the loss or theft to the relevant Armenian diplomatic or consular authority.
Based on the notification, the missing document will be declared invalid.
The legislation additionally provides for a temporary certificate for citizens who are left without both a passport and an identification card.
This certificate will remain valid until a new identity document is obtained.
However, the temporary certificate is intended for use only within Armenia and is not a substitute for an international travel document.
8. Certain Applicants May Be Represented by Family Members
As a general rule, citizens aged 16 and older must apply for identity documents personally.
However, the legislation provides exceptions for individuals who cannot submit applications independently because of disability, medical conditions or temporary or permanent limitations affecting mobility or cognitive abilities.
In such circumstances, an application may be submitted by certain close relatives, including:
Parents
Spouses
Children
Brothers and sisters
Grandparents
Employees of Armenia’s Unified Social Service may also be authorized to assist with applications in the circumstances specified by law.
Relevant medical documentation must accompany applications submitted on these grounds.
For children under 16, applications are submitted by their legal representatives.
In the case of detained individuals or persons serving prison sentences, applications may be submitted through the administration of the relevant institution.
What Should Citizens Know Before November 1?
The upcoming changes represent a substantial reform of Armenia’s identity document system.
For citizens aged 16 and older, the most important requirement will be obtaining an identification card before receiving a passport.
Applicants should also consider the new fees, electronic application procedures, document validity periods and collection deadlines.
Those holding valid passports do not need to assume that their documents will automatically expire on November 1. Nevertheless, the interaction between previously issued documents and new applications requires particular attention.
The exact implementation date will depend on the official announcement regarding the electronic platform, subject to the November 1 deadline established in the cited legislation.
Citizens are advised to check official government guidance before submitting applications, particularly if they have upcoming international travel plans or need to replace multiple identity documents.
This article summarizes the legislative provisions described in the supplied report. The implementation details and legal status should be confirmed through official Armenian government publications before relying on them for an application.
