Identity Card of Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Basic Information
The identity card in its current form has been issued since 2003, and since 2013 it has been a biometric document containing a contactless chip with biometric data, in accordance with international security standards.
The identity card is the basic identification document of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The issuance and use of the identity card are regulated by the Law on the Identity Card of Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of BiH”, No. 32/01, 16/02 and subsequent amendments).
The identity card is a public document used to prove:
- the identity of the citizen,
- date and place of birth,
- permanent or temporary residence (for displaced persons),
- citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Competent Authorities for Issuance
AN APPLICATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF AN IDENTITY CARD
IDENTIFICATION
COLLECTION OF BIOMETRIC DATA
COLLECTION OF THE DOCUMENT
Outside Bosnia and Herzegovina
Citizens of BiH residing abroad may submit an application through the diplomatic and consular missions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in accordance with the applicable procedure.
01.02.2026.
NUMBER OF VALID ID CARDS
3,061,841
Competent Authorities for Issuance
Crossing the State Border
The issuance, cancellation, and replacement of identity cards, according to the citizen’s place of residence, are carried out by:
- Cantonal Ministries of Interior in the Federation of BiH,
- the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska,
- Public Register of Brčko District of BiH.
Citizens of BiH may use the identity card to cross state borders in accordance with bilateral agreements concluded between Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries. The BiH identity card may be used for travel to:
🇷🇸 the Republic of Serbia
🇰🇬 Montenegro
🇲🇰 North Macedonia
🇦🇱 the Republic of Albania
Digital Representation
The identity card enables digital identity representation and secure electronic identification when using electronic services.
Since July 2024, all citizens of BiH who possess a valid identity card have a certificate for digital representation embedded in the card, enabling access to numerous electronic services without the need for physical presence at institutions.
