Changes to biometric IDs introduced in recent weeks have become the focus of public debate, after the removal of parents’ names from the new identity cards sparked reactions.
However, the omission of the father’s and mother’s names is not unique to Cyprus.
In most European Union countries, identity cards include only details directly linked to the holder, such as full name, photograph, date of birth, nationality, document number and required biometric information.
EU countries follow similar approach
Parents’ details, when required, are obtained through other official documents, including birth certificates and national population registers.
Similarly, passports issued by EU member states do not include parents’ names, as modern identification documents are designed to contain only the information necessary to verify the identity of the holder.
What changes in Cyprus
From July 2026, new biometric identity cards issued in Cyprus no longer include the full names of the holder’s father and mother.
The cards continue to include key identification details, including the photograph, first name, surname, date of birth, nationality, gender, signature, personal number and height.
According to the Ministry of Interior, parents’ details remain available through birth certificates and the Population Registry System, which can be accessed by authorised state services when required.
EU regulation sets security standards
The European Union regulation on identity documents does not require member states to either remove or keep parents’ names on identity cards.
Instead, it establishes common security standards to make identity cards and residence documents safer, more reliable and easier to recognise across the EU.
Among other requirements, the regulation sets standards for card size, machine-readable zones, enhanced security features, biometric storage and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
The regulation does not specify whether parents’ names must appear on identity cards, leaving that decision to individual member states.
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