In today’s digital age, managing personal information and accessing online public services is crucial. The SPID (Public System for Digital Identity) allows you to easily access many online services in Italy, including healthcare, education, and tax portals. But what if you need to request SPID for a minor? This article covers everything you need to know, with a special focus on how parents or legal guardians can obtain SPID for their children, starting from age 5.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, ensuring you fully understand how to navigate the system for your child’s needs.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to SPID for Minors
- Who Can Request SPID for Minors?
- Age Restrictions and Services Available
- How to Request SPID for Minors via Poste Italiane
- Step-by-Step Guide to Request SPID via PosteID
- What Information Is Required?
- Verifying the Identity of the Minor
- How to Use SPID Once Obtained
- Requesting SPID for Minors from Other Providers
- Alternatives to Poste Italiane
- Why SPID Is Essential for Minors
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration
- Is SPID Safe for Minors?
- How SPID Evolves as the Minor Turns 18
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to SPID for Minors
SPID, or the Public System for Digital Identity, revolutionized access to online services for Italian citizens. Originally, the system was available only for adults, but in recent years, it has been extended to minors. This enables young people, starting from the age of 5, to access certain online services with the oversight of a parent or guardian.
The extension of SPID to minors is part of Italy’s broader move toward digitizing public services, simplifying access to education, healthcare, and more. However, depending on the age of the minor, access to certain services may be limited.
Who Can Request SPID for Minors?
SPID for minors can only be requested by a parent or legal guardian. This is to ensure the safety and proper management of the minor’s digital identity. Parents or guardians must already have their own SPID (at least level 2) to initiate the process for the child.
Age Restrictions and Services Available
There are certain age-related conditions that affect the services a minor can access:
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Ages 5 to 13: Minors can only access services provided by schools. Access to broader services is not available at this stage, ensuring that the child’s digital interactions are strictly regulated.
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Ages 14 to 17: From the age of 14, minors can start accessing their Electronic Health Record, INPS services, and other platforms like Il Portale dell’Automobilista for driver’s education and related services.
Once the minor turns 18, these restrictions are lifted, allowing full access to all public services.
How to Request SPID for Minors via Poste Italiane
One of the most common and straightforward ways to request SPID for a minor is through Poste Italiane, one of the authorized providers. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Request SPID via PosteID
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Ensure You Have SPID (Level 2)
Before you can request SPID for your child, you need your own SPID at level 2, which includes two-factor authentication. If you don’t already have one, follow the procedures on the PosteID website to create it.
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Access the PosteID Portal
Navigate to the PosteID website, click Login, and enter your credentials.
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Select the “ID Minore” Option
Once logged in, locate the ID Minore tab on your dashboard. This will start the process of requesting SPID for your child.
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Enter Your Child’s Details
You will need to provide essential details such as your child’s name, date of birth, and fiscal code. Be sure to confirm your parental or legal guardian status during this step.
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Confirm Parental Authority
If there is another parent or guardian, you must either confirm their approval or provide legal documents demonstrating that you are the sole guardian.
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Authorize Notifications
As the parent, you must accept that you will receive notifications and authorize certain actions for the minor’s account, especially for services that require parental consent.
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Review and Accept Terms
After entering all the required data, you’ll need to confirm the service terms and privacy policy.
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Complete the Verification Process
Poste Italiane will send you a verification code via email. Share this code with the minor, who will use it to activate their SPID during the final steps at the post office.
What Information Is Required?
When applying for SPID for a minor, you will need the following information:
- Full Name of the Minor
- Fiscal Code
- Date of Birth
- Parental Identification
- Authorization from the Non-Requesting Parent (if applicable)
Verifying the Identity of the Minor
Once the application is complete online, the minor will need to visit the Poste Italiane office to verify their identity. This must be done in person, and the minor must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
At this stage, they will use the verification code you received to finalize their SPID account.
How to Use SPID Once Obtained
After obtaining SPID, the minor can use it to access school services, health records, and other approved platforms. For example, a 15-year-old might use SPID to access their electronic health record, while a 17-year-old could check points on their provisional driver’s license.
Requesting SPID for Minors from Other Providers
Alternatives to Poste Italiane
While Poste Italiane is a popular choice, there are other SPID providers you can use to request SPID for minors. These include:
The process with these providers is similar to that of Poste Italiane. Be sure to check their respective websites for specific instructions on how to request SPID for minors.
Why SPID Is Essential for Minors
SPID is becoming increasingly important for minors as more public and private services move online. Having a digital identity from a young age allows children to:
- Access school portals
- View health records
- Track academic progress
- Use government services
It ensures a smooth transition to full access once they reach adulthood.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration
- Incorrect Information: Ensure all details, especially your child’s fiscal code, are entered correctly.
- Missing Documentation: If there is a second parent involved, don’t forget to upload the necessary documents.
- Not Using Level 2 SPID: You must have Level 2 SPID with two-factor authentication to initiate the process.
Is SPID Safe for Minors?
Yes, SPID is designed with security in mind. It uses two-factor authentication and allows parents to control and monitor their child’s access to sensitive services. Parents receive notifications whenever the child tries to access restricted services, adding an extra layer of protection.
How SPID Evolves as the Minor Turns 18
Once the minor turns 18, the restrictions on their SPID account will be removed. They will gain full access to all public services available through SPID, and parental oversight will no longer be required. The minor will also have the option to continue using the same SPID account into adulthood.
Conclusion
Obtaining SPID for minors is an essential step in enabling them to interact with public services safely and efficiently. Whether through Poste Italiane or another provider, the process is straightforward with proper guidance. Ensuring that your child has access to necessary services while maintaining security and oversight is critical in today’s digital world.
FAQs
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Can I request SPID for my child under 5 years old?
No, SPID is only available for children starting from the age of 5.
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What services can my child access with SPID?
Depending on their age, they can access school services, health records, and eventually more comprehensive public services.
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Is it mandatory for both parents to consent?
If there is a second parent, their consent is required, unless you provide legal documentation showing sole custody.
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Can my child use SPID to access social media accounts?
No, SPID is for public services and government-related platforms, not for social media.
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How long does the verification process take?
The process usually takes a few days after completing the in-person verification at the post office.
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What happens if my child loses their SPID credentials?
You can reset the credentials using the same process as any adult SPID account.
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Can I request SPID for multiple children?
Yes, the process can be repeated for each child under your care.
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What happens when my child turns 18?
Once they turn 18, the parental controls will be lifted, and they will have full access to all services available via SPID.
