The general validity period is ten years. Art. 47 of the Press Card Regulation says so in a single sentence and also sets the renewal procedure.
Renewal Does Not Require a Commission Decision
The article continues with a practical convenience: press cards whose validity period has expired are renewed by the Directorate without a fresh Commission decision, provided the media member meets the conditions set out in the Regulation.
Periods by Card Type
The ten-year period is the general rule; some card types have their own periods:
| Card type | Period | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Post-linked | 10 years (general rule) | Art. 47 |
| Permanent | For life | Art. 14/1 |
| Free | 12, 18 or 24 months depending on how long a card was previously held | Art. 13/3 |
| Fixed-term (foreign) | Until the end of the year of issue, not exceeding the period of duty | Art. 39 |
| Temporary (foreign) | At most 3 months having regard to the period of duty; extendable once | Art. 40/2 |
A Card Can Change Before the Ten Years Are Up
Several situations require a card to be renewed before the ten years expire:
- General card replacement. Under Art. 43 the Directorate may decide on a general card replacement; it is announced through the Directorate's website, Anadolu Agency and TRT.
- Loss or wear. Under Art. 45 a new card may be requested.
- Change of title or workplace. Under Art. 37 the card is returned and reissued.
- Return to work from a free card period. Under Art. 37/3 it may be renewed without a Commission decision.
A Fee May Be Charged
Under Art. 48, for the cards to be issued under this Regulation a card fee together with a service fee for their printing and distribution may be charged, provided these do not exceed their cost. Matters relating to collection and spending are determined by the Directorate.
The Form of the Card Is Set by the Directorate
Under Art. 6/2 the shape, features, design, security elements, procurement, the methods used in personalising them, the information they carry and the method of delivery are determined by the Directorate, announced by appropriate means and, on request, a specimen is shared with those concerned provided it is marked as such.
Summary
- The validity period of a press card is ten years.
- Expired cards are renewed by the Directorate without a Commission decision if the conditions are still met.
- A permanent card runs for life, a free card 12-24 months, a temporary card for foreigners at most three months.
- A fee not exceeding cost may be charged for the card.