Local authorties may no longer charge for issuing ID cards, the high court ruled on Friday, upholding a lower court decision.

The court said that most people buy an ID card purely to be able to identify themselves to police and other authorities. This means it is more in the state’s interest than the individual’s to have a card.
In law, local councils are only allowed to charge for services if the private interest of the individual is more important than the general interest, such as a passport or driving licence.
And while an ID card can also be used as a travel document, its use is limited to the EU, the court said.
It is not yet clear what the implications of the ruling are or if there will be a further appeal.