Belgian ID

Go to your town hall to register within eight days (EU nationals) or three days (non-EU nationals) of arrival.

• Renew your Belgian ID card within eight days of moving to a new address or commune (even if you move to a new apartment in the same building).

• Renew your Belgian ID before it expires (failure to do so may result in you having to get proof of employment and other papers again).

• You are legally obliged to carry your Belgian ID at all times. Strictly speaking, children age 12 or under should carry their name cards with them at all times when not in their parents’ company. Be sure they have it when they participate in group activities organised by the local authority or schools.

• Your Belgian ID is a residence permit or proof of registration only and does not have the status of an identity card. This means it cannot be used in lieu of a passport when you travel abroad.

• An electronic version is now available that allows the authentication, identification and electronic signature. A similar electronic version for children aged 12 or under should be progressively implemented and contain the identity of the children, address and phone numbers of the parents in case of emergency. This electronic card could as well be used to register in a library and school or to secure the access to the Internet.