So, I needed to get a Russian ID card, and I thought, “Why not do it online?” Sounds easy, right? Well, it kinda was and kinda wasn’t. Let me tell you about it.
Starting the Process
First, I searched around for places that do Russian ID cards online. I found a few, but honestly, it was a bit confusing. Some talked about “Goznak” and “decentralized personalization” – whatever that means. It felt like trying to understand a different language, not just Russian but techie Russian.
Choosing a Service
After some digging, I picked a website that seemed alright. I mean, they all kinda said the same thing: “Buy Russia ID Card Online.” It’s not like there were a bunch of reviews to help me choose. The one I went with mentioned something about making life easier in Russia with an internal passport, which sounded pretty good to me.

Dealing with the Photo
Next up was the photo. They said I could make my own passport photo online for free, which was cool. I followed their steps, and it wasn’t too hard. I just had to make sure my face was clear and the background was right. They let me order the photo directly from them, which saved me a trip to a photo booth.
Filling Out the Forms
Then came the forms. Oh boy, the forms. It wasn’t rocket science, but there were a lot of fields to fill in. I took my time, double-checked everything, and hoped I didn’t mess anything up. It’s all in Russian, so I had to use a translation app to help me out a bit.
The Waiting Game
After I submitted everything, it was just a waiting game. I paid the fee, which wasn’t too bad, and then I just… waited. It felt like forever, but it was probably just a few days. I kept checking my email for updates, and finally, I got a message saying it was on its way.
Receiving the ID
When the ID card arrived, I was pretty stoked. It looked legit, with all the right stamps and stuff. I examined it closely, and everything seemed to be in order. I gotta say, it was a relief to finally have it in my hands.
Using the ID
Now, I haven’t had to use it much yet, but it’s been accepted everywhere I’ve tried. I used it to open a bank account, and I didn’t have any problems. It feels good to have it, like I’m a bit more official now in Russia.
Final Thoughts
All in all, getting a Russian ID card online was a bit of an adventure. It wasn’t super straightforward, but I managed to get through it. If you’re thinking about doing it, just be prepared for some confusing terms and a bit of waiting. But in the end, it worked out for me. It’s definitely an experience I won’t forget, and it makes me feel a bit more connected to this huge country.