Greek Identity Card Photo Dispute Returns to Court in January

A legal challenge concerning the procedure for issuing Greece’s new identity cards has been postponed until 19 January 2027, prolonging a dispute over the role of professional photographers in supplying applicant portraits.

The Panhellenic Federation of Photographers announced that its application for annulment before the Council of State had been adjourned again. The Federation said repeated delays prolonged uncertainty affecting its members’ professional activities and confirmed that it would continue its legal action.

Current Greek Police guidance allows applicants either to have their photograph taken at the issuing authority or to use a certified professional photographer, who uploads the digital image through the government’s myPhoto service.

Under the professional photography route, the applicant receives a code identifying the uploaded files. The applicant then associates the photograph with their tax identification number and authorises the identity card application system to retrieve it. This enables the issuing officer to access the portrait through the digital process.