As reported by gov.pt, this restriction applies even if the holder has provided written authorisation. Citizen Cards renewed online can only be collected at a service counter by the person to whom they belong.

However, the rule is different for cards requested through other procedures.

In certain circumstances, someone else can collect a Citizen Card on behalf of the holder.

Under Article 31(5) of Law No. 7/2007 dated 5 February, cards requested electronically must be delivered to the holder.

When can someone else collect the card?

Where third-party collection is permitted, the holder can nominate another person either when applying for the card or at a later stage.

According to the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN), this can be done through a completed and signed declaration.

The authorised person must provide valid identification and the PIN letter, or evidence that they received it.

This legislation also provides for cards to be handed to someone legally representing a minor, or an accompanied adult who requires representation for the relevant procedure.

However, this option does not extend to cards renewed online, with the IRN stating that the same restriction applies to cards renewed automatically.

Online renewal

Those eligible to renew their Citizen Card online and have it delivered can choose to receive the document at home or collect it from a service counter.

However, delivery by post does not mean someone else can simply accept the card on the holder’s behalf.

The IRN says Citizen Cards for adults are also delivered by CTT only to the holder, whether delivery takes place at home or at a postal outlet.

For counter collection, the Justiça.gov.pt website states that cards renewed online “can only be collected by the holder”.

This means a signed authorisation given to a partner, relative, or friend will not be enough to allow them to collect a card renewed through the online service.

PIN letter

Anyone collecting a Citizen Card at a counter must also take the PIN letter sent to the address associated with the document.

This letter contains the codes required for the card’s electronic functions and indicates where the document is due to be delivered, and the IRN advises holders to keep it for the card’s validity period.

Therefore, the PIN letter is more than just a collection document, as it contains information needed to use services such as electronic authentication and digital signatures.

Service activation

Even when a third party is legally allowed to collect a Citizen Card, there are limits to what they can do on the holder’s behalf.

The IRN states that a person collecting the document for someone else cannot activate the holder’s Chave Móvel Digital or digital signature certificate during the collection process.

Those services have separate procedures and, depending on the circumstances, may require an in-person appointment or remote biometric verification.

Collection deadline

Justiça.gov.pt confirms that anyone who chooses to collect their new Citizen Card at a service counter has one year from the application date to do so.

If you don't collect the card within that period, you can no longer pick it up, and you must submit a new application.

If you renewed online but cannot travel to the counter, you may still have another option.

The Citizen Card’s external service allows a Registos employee to travel to where the holder is staying to carry out certain procedures, including delivering the document.

According to Justiça.gov.pt, the service can be used, among other situations, by people who are hospitalised or have certified reduced mobility or special needs.

Anyone facing difficulties travelling to a counter should therefore check directly with the IRN whether they qualify for an external service, rather than assuming that a relative or friend can collect an online-renewed card for them.

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