Cyprus removes parental names from new biometric ID cards

As of July 2026, the Republic of Cyprus has introduced new biometric identity cards that no longer include the names of the holder's parents. This change, which was not publicly announced prior to its implementation, has sparked a wave of public discussion and criticism from several political and social groups who argue that parental names are a traditional identifier in local documentation.

The Ministry of Interior has officially confirmed that it does not intend to revise the new format. Authorities explained that the decision was made by the Civil Registry and Migration Department following consultations with the Commissioner for Children's Rights. A primary motivation for the change was to protect the privacy of individuals, particularly those who do not have an officially registered father; previously, such cases resulted in a blank field on the ID card, which could inadvertently disclose sensitive personal information. The ministry notes that this approach aligns with EU standards, as parental data remains accessible through birth certificates and national population registries.

While critics suggest that including parental names facilitates faster identification, the government maintains that the new format ensures consistency and equality for all citizens. There are no plans to revert to the previous design, and the administration expects the public to rely on other official documents for secondary identification purposes.