What’s the cut-off point for requesting a new smart card or renewal/replacement of an existing smart card?

Any requests should be submitted to us by 18.00 hrs CET on Friday, 29 December, the last working day of 2023. This includes requests for new smart cards, renewals and replacements.

An exception will be made for users already filing with national offices that do not offer an alternative to the EPO smart card: in such cases, we will continue to accept requests to renew smart cards or to replace them until 18.00 hrs CEST on Monday, 30 September 2024.

As always, we only accept requests for renewals received in the 60-day period leading up to the smart-card expiry date.