Is the new Romanian eID ready?
Posted on 21/06/2026
Introduction
On August 2, 2021, Romania launched a pilot project to replace traditional ID cards with the “Electronic ID Card”, initially in Cluj County, before expanding nationwide on June 12, 2026.
The Electronic Identity Card is mandatory for everyone who turns 14 years old and features a chip that stores the individual’s information on the card.
The ID Card has two PIN codes chosen by the holder at the time of issuance: a 4-digit code for reading the informations on the chip and a 6-digit code for the “Advanced Electronic Signature.”
This new ID card will allow citizens to interact more easily on Romanian government platforms such as:
- MAI's Hub
- Ghiseul.ro
However, this requires a method for devices to interact with the information on the card. This is where the MAI’s middleware comes into play, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux (Debian), as well as on Android and iOS via the “Ro CEI Reader” app, which allows users to read the information on the card and export it to a PDF file.
In this article I'm gonna explain who to use this new ID card on your PC and phone.
Installation
Before I begin, I should mention that I use Linux on my PC with the "SolusOS" distribution, which is an independent distribution that is not based on Debian, unlike Ubuntu or Linux Mint.
However, it is still possible to install the MAI's middleware "IdPlugManager" manually by extracting the files from the official .deb package and copying them to the system root.
Note that for Arch Linux users (and its derivatives), there is a package in the AUR (Arch User Repository) for **Idplugmanager**.
The "Ro CEI Reader" mobile app can be installed on both iOS and Android devices.
On Android, Google Play Services or MicroG are required, but the app works regardless of the current ROM (Stock Android, LineageOS, CalyxOS, etc.).
Mobile Appplication
To read the data from your Electronic ID Card using your phone:
- Open the "Ro CEI Reader" app.
- Enter the CAN code from your card.
- Enter your four-digit PIN.
- Tap the "Prepare for NFC Reading" button.
- Hold your card against the back of your phone for a few seconds until it is read by the phone.
Once read, the app will display the information stored on the chip, including details not physically printed on the card, such as your address.
You also have the option to export the read information to a PDF file certified by the MAI.
Please note that the app does not send any information online; everything takes place on the device and works even without a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
Desktop Application
To read the new Electronic Identity Card (CEI) on a computer, you must purchase a card reader that is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Next, visit the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) and download the middleware corresponding to your operating system (available for Windows, macOS, and Linux). Please note that the MAI officially provides only a .deb version for Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions, but it can also be installed on other Linux distributions, although the process may require additional steps.
After installing the middleware, connect the card reader to your computer, insert the Electronic Identity Card into it, and launch the IdPlugManager application.
In the application, you will be able to perform the following operations:
- View the information stored on the chip, including data that is not physically visible on the card.
- Change the PIN codes for authentication and electronic signatures.
- Manage digital certificates.
To view the information on the card, you will need to enter the 4-digit PIN.
I recommend keeping the IdPlugManager app open to facilitate connecting to the MAI Hub and signing PDF documents.
Using Firefox ?
CEI can be used in Firefox for TLS authentication in government platforms.
Navigate to "Edit > Preference > Advanced > Certificates > Security Devices" and click Load to load a module using /usr/lib/idplugclassic/libidplug-pkcs11.so. You can assign any name to it, i.e. "RO CEI PKCS#11 Module".
Note: If you are using Firefox from Flathub, you must grant access to the PKCS#11 module using Flatseal.
Documents signing
- Windows and macOS:
- You can sign PDF documents directly using the Adobe Acrobat Reader application, which is compatible with these operating systems.
- Linux:
- To sign PDF documents, you’ll need to use the Okular application, which must be installed as a native application (not as a Flatpak or Snap package).
Can you trust this new ID Card ?
Yes, you can trust the new Electronic ID Card (CEI). Even though the desktop or mobile apps provided for its use are not open-source (for example, similar to the Belgian eID system), there are no privacy risks when you use these apps.
Also, you don’t need to worry that the chip on the card could track your location in real time, because it is a passive chip that is activated only when read by a compatible device (such as a card reader connected to a computer or an authorized terminal).
But if you're so afraid that the chip in the CEI is spying on you, you should first get rid of another chip that you carry with you all the time—the one in your hand—which can actually spy on you ^^.
Conclusion
The new Electronic Identity Card (CEI) represents an important first step toward modernizing and simplifying administrative procedures. Even though, at this early stage, many institutions are not yet equipped with the readers needed to process the card, its implementation paves the way for a more efficient and accessible public administration.
However, it is essential to understand that the CEI should not be used for logging into social media platforms. Its security system and features are designed exclusively for official interactions with government agencies, not for private or commercial services.
Source :
https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carte_de_identitate_rom%C3%A2neasc%C4%83
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_electronic_signature
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Romanian_eID
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_electronic_signature