The move aims to reduce the risk of identity documents being forged, and adjusts the Polish system to European Union rules, according to officials.
The new ID cards will be valid for 10 years, while those issued to children under 12 will be valid for five.
People who cannot apply for the new document for medical reasons, including those who have suffered accidents or burns to their fingers, will be able to apply for a temporary card, valid for 12 months.
Anyone who has a valid ID card in its current form can use it until it expires, state news agency PAP reported.
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Source: IAR, PAP