Polish Identification Document For Free

PESEL is a 11-digit, constant numeric symbol, that uniquely identifies a specific individual registered in the PESEL database (the Common Electronic System of Population Register).

Granting procedure The proper authority for the grant of the card is the consul of consular district of the place of residence. This procedure is free of consular fees. The applicant is required to present documents or other evidences confirming compliance with the conditions for the granting of the Card.

Identity cards are valid for a period of 10 years (5 years for children under the age of 5 on the date of issue). The front bears a photo of the holder, surname, forenames, date of birth, nationality, card number, gender and expiry date.

A Polish ID for a foreigner is issued by a Governor competent for your place of stay. If we refuse to issue you a Polish ID, you will receive a decision. The Polish ID is issued for 1 year, it only confirms your identity, does not confirm any citizenship and does not entitle you to cross the border.

There are three ways of acquiring Polish citizenship: By descent by birth where at least one of the parents is a polish citizen. The birth can be either within Poland or outside of Poland. By adoption if the child is under 16. By Presidential 'granting'.

To apply for a new ID card yourself: Go to any municipal office. Submit an application with a color photo attached. If you have a valid passport, take it with you.

Generally, you must have at least one parent, grandparent or even a great-grandparent who was born in Poland (or one of its former territories), who resided there after at least January 1920. To apply for Polish citizenship by descent, you need to provide the vital records necessary to recreate your family tree.