Seimas to consider lifetime validity for IDs issued after 65

Lithuania’s parliament will consider a proposal to make passports and identity cards issued to people aged 65 and over valid indefinitely, LRT reported. The bill received initial support from 48 lawmakers on Tuesday; 12 voted against and 29 abstained.

The amendments, initiated by Democratic Union lawmaker Kęstutis Mažeika, will be reviewed by the Seimas Committee on Legal Affairs and the Committee on Human Rights. Parliament is expected to return to the bill on December 15.

Mažeika said it can be difficult for older people, particularly those with special needs, to travel to the Migration Department to renew documents. He said the renewal process, including having photographs taken, can be a burden.

Current law requires people aged 16 and over to renew their passports and identity cards every 10 years. From age 70, identity cards must be renewed every 30 years. The proposed changes would take effect on January 1, 2027.