Electronic identity cards issued to people aged 70 and over will remain valid for life starting Thursday, July 30th, under new rules. The rule applies to everyone who has turned 70 at the time of application, but it is not retroactive, so the over-70s who already have a valid identity card will have to wait until its expiration to renew it and receive a new ID valid indefinitely. Those who want to continue using those online services will have to ask for an update of the chip, but the physical identity card will remain valid regardless. The ID card was issued in paper format until 2016, when Italy began replacing it with the electronic version. It is mainly used to verify the holder’s identity during bureaucratic procedures at public administration offices and for travelling.