As of January 1, 2015, passports held by citizens of the Russian Federation will be issued in the form of identification cards

09.02.2013

In accordance with the draft of the Federal Law "On the main document establishing the identity of a citizen of the Russian Federation," the identification card will be the physical data carrier containing personal data of its owner, including biometric personal data stored within it in visual (graphic) and electronic form that allows for verifying the identity of the ID card’s owner.

The ID card will be the primary identification document for citizens of the Russian Federation on the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as for information systems. The ID card will be valid for a period of 10 years.

The draft law also determines:

· The procedures for the issuance and the replacement of electronic cards;

· The responsibilities of citizens with regards to receiving it, maintain it or its exchange;

· The responsibilities of the authoritative bodies for the registration, issuance and the exchange of electronic cards;

· The procedures for confiscation and cancellation (voiding) of ID cards.

It is stipulated that once the Federal Law on electronic ID card comes into force, passports shall remain legally valid and be recognized as valid until January 1, 2025.