In May 2012, the Constitution Law and Justice Committee of the Knesset approved a number of regulations related to the population registry. These regulations concern the current ID cards used by citizens and residents and the future, electronic-biometric cards. One of the provisions contained in
the regulations stipulates that ID cards will expire and require renewal every ten years. The regulations further stipulate that anyone in possession of an old ID card (of the type currently in use) that does not expire, will have to renew their ID card within ten years of the effective date of the changes.
On July 1, 2013, the Ministry of Interior published an
updated procedure for the replacement of ID cards, which implements the new regulations. According to the procedure, old cards will be replaced by new ones, valid for ten years. Anyone who contacts the Ministry of Interior from now on, in order to update personal information such as, registering a child, updating personal status and changing a name, will receive a new ten-year card. However, the procedure stipulates that no fee will be collected for the replacement. People who do not contact the Ministry of Interior at this time, will be responsible for having their cards replaced within ten years.
Concomitant with the new procedure, the Ministry of Interior has launched the preliminary testing phase of the biometric database. During the testing period, the Ministry will offer a new smart biometric card to anyone who applies for a new ID card. The new card has an electronic chip that contains the holder's identifying information, photograph and finger print. It should be noted that during the test, which is planned to take place over a period of about two years, the Ministry of Interior will not be able to compel applicants to provide biometrics and will not issue smart cards to individuals who refuse to take them.
These changes affect all residents and citizens of the country and will be implemented at all offices of the Ministry of Interior.
