A personal identification document shall be a document issued by an authorised national regulatory authority attesting the identity and legal status of the holder.

There are two types of personal identification documents in Latvia: identity card (eID card) and passport.

A person may have one identity card (eID card) and one passport.

In order to receive a personal identification document (passport or identity card (eID card)), the identity document previously issued must be submitted or produced, if any:

• passport;
• identity card (eID card).

If a personal identification document is issued to a child under the age of 15 - the legal representative of the child or his or her authorised person (presenting a notarially certified authorisation document for submission and/or receipt), the child shall be presented in the presence of the child;

• a personal identification document;
• and the birth certificate of the child, if the information regarding it is not included in the Register of Natural Persons.

If a child is under 10 years of age, he or she may be in the territorial division of the OCMA once when submitting documents or receiving a personal identification document (passport and/or identity card (eID card)) (upon receipt, if a photograph has been submitted).

A personal identification document shall be compulsory from the age of 15.

Documents must be submitted within 30 days of reaching the age of 15 if the person does not possess a valid identity document (passport and/or identity card (eID card) or if the identity document has become invalid for use. For invalid documents, see here.

A Latvian citizen or non-citizen receives personal identification documents (passport and/or personal identity card) from 14 years of age), while documents from 15 years of age may be submitted personally for receipt of a personal identification document (passport and/or personal identity card (eID card).

If a citizen of Latvia or a non-citizen who has reached the age of 15 receives a personal identification document for the first time, his or her identity, when submitting documents for the issuance of a personal identification document, shall be certified by his or her legal representative or by one of his or her adult relatives.

In order to obtain a new personal identification document (passport and/or identity card (eID card)) due to the fact that the previous personal identification document has become unfit for use (documents to be submitted within 30 days of the date of entry of this fact) or that the person wishes to replace the identity document of the old model against the identity of the new model, the following documents shall be submitted

• identification document previously issued (passport and/or identity card (eID card));
• document attesting to changes in the particulars recorded in the personal identification document, if any.

If the particulars of the person in the previously issued personal identification document have changed, in addition to the submission of a personal identification document, a document certifying the changes in the particulars recorded in the personal identification document must be produced if they are not included in the Register of Natural Persons (marriage certificate, document attesting the change of personal name, etc.).

If the previous identity document has been lost, stolen or destroyed, an explanation regarding the circumstances of the theft, loss or destruction of the document must be provided.

If a person wishes to include in a personal identification document (passport or identity card (eID card) the original form of the other language of the personal name or the historical form of the family name in a transliteration of latin, a document certifying the distinguishing spelling of the personal name - a birth certificate issued in another language, a document attesting the change of personal name, etc.).

If a person does not wish to be photographed in the territorial section of the OCMA on the spot, a photograph made in the photographic saloon must be submitted when applying his new personal identity document. For inclusion in a personal identification document, it is possible to use only a photograph made in a professional photo saloon and is certified by a workshop stamp stamped on the other side of the picture with a date. The photograph must not be older than 3 months and must comply with the other conditions referred to in the provisions of the Personal Identification Documents (Annex 11) . No valid photographs made in instant cameras!

Apply for the drawing up of a personal identification document (passport and/or identity card (eID card)) may:

• by applying for a specific time visit (without standing in line) online ;
• writing to the OCMA  e-address or to e-mail pasts@pmlp.gov.lv;
• or by phone for the selected the OCMA territorial division;
• for the territorial division of the OCMA selected on the line, remote on a given day by downloading the Qticket application in advance, selecting the service provider, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, and QUEUING the service and going to the department only when the service time is approaching.

A personal identification document (passport and/or identity card (eID card)) may be received within 2 or 10 working days of the person's wish (not including the date of submission of documents).

A personal identification document shall be issued:

• children under the age of five for a period of two years or travelling periods of more than two years but not more than five years;
• persons aged 5 years and under the age of 20 for five years;
• a personal identification document shall be issued to persons aged 20 years for a period of ten years.

A person who lives or stays in foreign states may apply for the drawing up of a personal identification document (passport and/or identity card (e-ID card) to the consular or diplomatic mission of the Republic of Latvia.

Both children and adults take photographs at te OCMA on-site and free of charge.

If a personal identification document (passport and/or identity card (eID card) is drawn up for a child, the parents must consider themselves whether their child will be able to sit independently and be willing to photograph at the time it is intended for. Otherwise, photocards must be provided for a personal identification document.

If do not want you to be photographed in the OCMA section on the site, and you may also submit a photograph made in the photographic compartment by providing your new personal identity document. It is possible to use only photographs made in professional photo salons for inclusion in the passport and this is confirmed by a workshop stamp stamped on the other side of the picture with a date. The photograph must not be older than 3 months and must comply with the other conditions referred to in the provisions of the Personal Identification Documents (Annex 11) .

No valid photos made in instant cameras!