Bulgarian ID Card Prices Soar: A 67% Increase
Bulgarians are facing a significant price hike for national identity cards,effective January 1,2025. Teh cost of a standard ID card has jumped from 18 Bulgarian Leva (BGN) to 30 BGN – a considerable increase. This price surge impacts all processing speeds; expedited services have seen even steeper increases.
The cost of faster processing options has also risen dramatically. The “fast service” option now costs 60 BGN, up from 36 BGN, while the “express service” has increased from 90 BGN to a hefty 150 BGN. Across the board, this represents a 67% price increase.
exceptions to the Price Hike
While the price increases affect moast citizens, some exceptions remain. The first ID card for individuals aged 14 to 16 continues to be issued free of charge and is valid for four years. Subsequent cards for this age group, and for all cards issued to 16- to 18-year-olds, will incur a reduced fee of 21 BGN.
Moreover, seniors receive a reprieve. Individuals over 70 years old will continue to receive free identity cards, regardless of the processing speed selected.
In other news, the cost of vehicle vignette stickers in Bulgaria remains unchanged for 2025. Drivers can verify the validity of their stickers online at BGtoll.bg.
Impact and Comparison to U.S. Systems
This significant price increase in Bulgaria highlights the varying costs associated with government-issued identification worldwide. While direct comparisons to the U.S. system are complex due to differing structures and fees, the percentage increase underscores the potential impact of similar cost adjustments on citizens. the affordability of essential documents like identity cards is a key consideration for governments globally.
