How to use the national ID card (CIE) instead of SPID

To obtain SPID, it is necessary to register with one of the providers accredited by the Ministry of the Interior and provide personal data for identity verification. Once registration is complete, SPID can be used to access online services offered by participating entities.

• Advantages of SPID:
• It can be used to access both public and private services;
• It offers greater flexibility compared to CIE in terms of authentication methods;
• It is widely accepted as an online authentication method.
• Disadvantages of SPID:
• It may involve additional costs for registering with one of the accredited providers;
• It offers less security compared to CIE, especially when used with traditional credentials such as username and password.

How to request CIE

To request the Electronic Identity Card (CIE), it is necessary to go to the offices of the municipality where you reside. Below are the steps to follow:

1. Appointment booking

Prior to going to the municipal office, it is advisable to book an appointment online or via phone to avoid long waits.

2. Required documents

To request CIE, the following documents must be presented:

• A valid identity document;
• Tax code;
• A recent color photo, with a white background and without dark glasses;
• Certificate of residence issued by your municipality of residence.

3. Digital signature

Once the documentation has been presented, you will be asked to affix the digital signature on the application for issuance of CIE. If you do not have a digital signature, it will be possible to obtain it at one of the authorized centers.

4. Payment

After affixing the digital signature, payment of the fee for issuing CIE will be required. The cost may vary depending on the municipality of residence.

5. Retrieval of CIE

After about 15 working days from the request, CIE will be ready for retrieval at the municipal offices. A valid identity document must be presented to retrieve it.

By following these simple steps, it will be possible to request and obtain your Electronic Identity Card (CIE) to use in place of SPID.

How to use CIE to access online services

The Electronic Identity Card (CIE) is a valid identity document, but with the peculiarity of having a microchip that allows it to also be used to access online services offered by Public Administration.

Step 1: Obtain CIE

To use CIE to access online services, it is first necessary to obtain the document. To do so, you must go to an authorized office and submit an application. Once you have obtained the card, you can activate it by following the instructions provided by the Ministry of the Interior.

Step 2: Check your computer's technical requirements

Before being able to use the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) to access online services, it is necessary to verify that your computer meets certain technical requirements. In particular, you must have a smart card reader compatible with your CIE and install on your computer the software necessary to read the information contained in the chip.

Step 3: Access online services with the CIE

After obtaining the CIE and verifying the technical requirements of your computer, you can use it to access Public Administration online services. The first step is to connect to the website of the desired service and select the "Access with CIE" option.

At this point, you need to insert your card into the smart card reader and enter your PIN. Once logged in, you will be able to use the online service as you would normally do.

Step 4: Remember to disconnect properly

After using the CIE to access Public Administration online services, it is important to remember to disconnect properly. To do so, simply click on the appropriate button on the service page and remove the card from the smart card reader.

• Verify that your computer has a smart card reader compatible with the CIE;
• Install on your computer the software necessary to read the information contained in the chip;
• Click on "Access with CIE" and insert your card into the smart card reader;
• Enter your PIN and access the desired service;
• Remember to disconnect properly after using the CIE to access online services.

Advantages of using the CIE instead of SPID

Using the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) as a tool for online authentication has several advantages over using the Public Digital Identity System (SPID).

1. Security

The CIE uses a two-factor authentication system, which requires both knowledge of the personal password and physical possession of the card. This makes authentication more secure than using a single password with SPID.

2. Ease of use

Using the CIE is very simple: just insert the card into the reader and enter your personal password. In addition, thanks to the presence of a microchip, the CIE can also be used on mobile devices without needing to install any specific application.

3. Accessibility

The CIE is issued to all Italian citizens and can be used by anyone who has access to a smart card reader. On the other hand, access to SPID is limited only to Italian citizens over 18 years old in possession of an Italian health card or identity document.

4. Costs

Using the CIE does not entail any additional costs for citizens, while obtaining SPID may involve some fees.

5. Privacy

The use of CIE guarantees greater privacy compared to the use of SPID, as no personal information is required at the time of card activation.

• In summary, CIE offers significant advantages over SPID in terms of security, ease of use, accessibility, costs, and privacy.
• However, it is important to note that the use of CIE does not exclude the possibility of also using SPID if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of Electronic Identity Card (CIE) can represent a valid and convenient alternative to Public Digital Identity System (SPID). Thanks to its numerous advantages, including security, ease of use, accessibility, costs, and privacy, CIE is a reliable and practical tool for online authentication.

However, it is important to carefully evaluate one's needs and choose the most suitable authentication tool for one's needs. In any case, both CIE and SPID are valid and secure solutions for accessing online services provided by the Public Administration and beyond.