Originally Posted by
PWMTrav
Not to sidetrack the thread, but you don't need a carta d'identità, as far as I know. You can carry your passport as identification instead. It's just bigger and doesn't fit in your wallet
If you were issued a carta d'identità, the consulate can renew it for you if you're AIRE registered when it expires - meaning they can't issue you the first card, but they can renew it.
big.
Just curious, are you getting your comune to issue you the plastic chipped carta d'identità, or are you getting the paper version since (I presume) you aren't a permanent resident in the town?
(Note: I could be wrong, but that is my understanding regarding ID. And bigger picture as you pointed out with the bureaucracy, you'll get different answers depending on who you ask)
You are right. You don't need to carry a passport or ID card, but you do need to carry something as proof of identity, as you do in the USA. It's a pain to carry a passport, so if you have citizenship a national ID card is the way to go. It doesn't fit into an American size wallet, but it's a lot smaller than a passport. I didn't know I could get it renewed at the consulate. I will definitely call them and see if I can get one that indicates that I live in California when I'm not in Italy!