map placeholder
Click on a country for details.

National Identity Card Policies by Country 2024

National identity cards are portable, plasticized cards with personal information. They are used within the country to prove identity and citizenship in many countries. Most countries that have national identity cards make them compulsory for their citizens. In some European Union countries, citizens may use their national identity cards to travel to other countries within the EU without needing to bring their passports.

Many countries have national identity cards, and several other countries, such as the Philippines, are considering adding a requirement that their citizens carry national identity cards.

Some of the countries requiring national identity cards are:

  • China. China's national identity cards have 18-digit identity numbers. The identity card is required for many activities in China, including opening bank accounts, attending domestic universities, and applying for a driver's license.
  • Malaysia. Malaysia's national identity card is called MyKad. It is used primarily to verify citizenship, but it can also be used as an ATM card or public key.
  • Thailand. The Thai national identity card is issued to citizens between 7 and 70. It contains biometric information and is required to receive government services, apply for a mobile phone, and open a bank account.
  • Singapore. The National Registration Identity Card in Singapore is for citizens and permanent residents. The cards are color-coded to show the difference. Citizens and residents register for the card at age 15 and re-register at 30 and 55.
  • Estonia. Estonia has digital identity cards. Citizens use them to pay bills, vote online, and access health benefits, among other things. Estonia also has e-identity cards for permanent residents as well as citizens.
  • Peru. Peru mandates a National Identity Document for criminal, civil, administrative, and judicial uses. The country is transitioning to electronic cards.
  • Pakistan. Pakistan issues national identity cards to all its citizens. The cards have a 13-digit identification number and are necessary for opening bank accounts, obtaining mobile phone service, and receiving a passport, among other things.
  • India. Indian national identity cards are called Aadhaars. They have photos and a 12-digit Aadhaar number. They are required for essential services such as electricity and bank accounts.
  • As of 2023, no country in the world allows the inclusion of DNA as part of a national ID system. Laws to create such programs were passed by Kuwait in 2015 and Kenya in 2018, but both were declared unconstitutional and discarded before implementation.
Country
Registration
Name
Issuing Agency
Information
Biometric Technology
Additional Details
AfghanistanMandatoryTazkira (also Taskera)Ministry of Interior AffairsID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | Address | Date of IssueNot yet in use
AlbaniaMandatoryLetërnjoftimiCivil State OfficeID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Date of IssueFingerprints | Photo | Signature
Compulsory upon 16 years old and costs 1200 lekë (€10).
AlgeriaMandatoryMinistry of Interior and Local GovernmentID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | NationalityDigital photographs
Compulsory for all Algerian nationals and costs 2500 Algerian Dinar.
AngolaMandatoryNational ID CardMinistry of Justice and Human RightsID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of Birth | Occupation | Marital StatusFingerprints | Digital Photographs | Personal Data
More than 12 million Angolans do not possess a national identity card
Antigua and BarbudaMandatoryElectoral National Identification card
The Antiguan and Barbudan national identity card is compulsory for voting as well as for different g...
ArgentinaMandatoryDocumento Nacional de Identidad (DNI)Ministry of the InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Age | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Signature, ThumbprintDigital photograph | One fingerprint (right thumb)
Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) is issued at a person's birth, and updated at 8 and 14 years o...
ArmeniaVoluntaryIdentification CardPhoto | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint | Years ValidDigital photo | fingerprints | e-signature
AustriaVoluntaryPersonalausweisID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of Birth | Colour of Eyes | Height | SignatureNone
AzerbaijanMandatoryIdentity CardMinistry of Internal AffairsID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint | Marital StatusDigital photograph | Fingerprints | Palm print
The Şəxsiyyət vəsiqəsi is an ID card, compulsory upon 16 years old and costs 5 manats (€2,5). It is ...
BahrainMandatoryNational ID CardCentral Informatics OrganisationID Number | Name | Address | FingerprintNone
In order to avail basic or any services, carry out financial transactions one must have CPR
BangladeshMandatoryNational Identity Card (NID)Bangladesh Election CommissionID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Place of Birth | Blood Type | SignatureFingerprints
"National Identity" (NID) card is a compulsory electronic biometric identification for all citizens ...
BarbadosVoluntaryElectoral and Boundaries CommissionID Number | Name | Birth Date | Nationality | AddressNone
Optional, although compulsory for voting and other government transactions New biometric national ID...
BelgiumMandatoryElectronic Identity Card (EID)Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Years ValidSignature
The card is first issued at age 12, compulsory by 15. Since the beginning of 2005 the eID (electroni...
BeninMandatoryID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Height | Hair Colour | Eye Colour | Skin ColourNone
Compulsory. Biometric since 2016
BhutanMandatoryImmigration and CensusPhoto | FingerprintNone
The Bhutanese national identity card is an electronic ID card, compulsory for all Bhutanese national...
BoliviaMandatoryRegistro Unico Nacional / Carnet de IdentidadMinisterio de Relaciones Exteriores y CultoName | Sex | Birth Date | Address | Date of Issue | Place of birth | Marital Status | Signature | ProfessionFacial image and one fingerprint (right thumb)
Compulsory at 18, but rarely required by police.
Bosnia and HerzegovinaMandatoryLična KartaAgency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange (IDDEEA)ID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Signature | Municipality of Residence | Blood TypeFingerprints, digital photograph, digital signature
Compulsory at 16 and is to be carried at all times after turning 18.
BotswanaMandatoryOmang (National Identity Card)Ministry of Labour and Home AffairsID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Signature | ThumbprintNone
It is compulsory for all citizens at age 16, and there are penalties for not obtaining it within one...
BrazilMandatoryRegistro De Identidade CivilJustice Ministry - Federal PoliceName | Sex | Birth Date | Place of birth | Parents’ names | Signature10 fingerprints and a facial image (in the card’s chip)| Facial image | Right thumb visible on the card
Compulsory to be issued since the age of 18
BruneiMandatoryYellow Card (Smart Identity Card)Immigration and National Registration DepartmentID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | FingerprintDigital photograph | Fingerprints
Compulsory for all citizens at the age of 12
BulgariaMandatoryLichna KartaMinistry of InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Uniform Civil Number | SignatureElectronic microchip and fingerprints information
First issued and is compulsory after turning the age of 14. The new Bulgarian ID cards were introduc...
BurundiMandatoryCarte Nationale d'Identité (CNI)ID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Address | Fingerprint | Place of Birth | Names of Parents | Marital Status | Occupation | Blood TypeDigital photograph | Fingerprints
Valid for international travel within the East African Community
CambodiaMandatoryKhmer Identity CardMinistry of InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Address | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years ValidDigital photograph | Fingerprints
Compulsory and biometric since 2011
CameroonMandatoryCarte Nationale d'Identité / National Identity CardDelegate General of National SecurityID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of Birth | Height | Occupation | Signature | ThumbprintDigital photograph | Fingerprints
Optional, although compulsory for voting, acquisition of both passports and driving licenses and for...
Cape VerdeMandatoryCartão Nacional de Identidade (CNI)Directorate General of Registries, Notaries and IdentificationID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Height | Signature | Parents' NamesDigital photograph | Fingerprints | Digital signature
The Cape Verdian national identity card (referred as “Citizen card”) is an electronic biometric ID c...
ChileMandatoryRol Unico de Identidad / Cedula de IdentidadServicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion - Ministry of JusticeID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Nationality | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of birth } SignatureFacial image and one fingerprint (right thumb)
Normally this is first issued at age 2 or 3, but it can be issued whenever the legal ascendant(s) re...
ChinaMandatorySecond Generation National ID CardMinistry of Public SecurityID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | RFID | Date of Issue | Years Valid
Normally this is first issued at school age, but it can be issued whenever the legal ascendant(s) re...
ColombiaMandatoryCédula de CiudadaníaRegistraduría Nacional del Estado CivilID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Place of Birth | Signature | Blood Type | Fingerprint (right index finger)Digital photograph | Fingerprints | Digital signature
Tarjeta de identidad is issued aged 7. From 26 June 2013, is available the new format (coloured sky ...
Costa RicaMandatoryCédula de IdentidadRegistro Civil - Supreme Electoral CourtID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Years Valid | Signature | Place of birthFacial image (and fingerprints in the barcode)
Every citizen immediately must carry an ID card after turning 18
CroatiaMandatoryOsobna iskaznicaMinistry of the InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Signature
The Croatian identity card is compulsory for citizens of Croatia who have a permanent residence in C...
CubaMandatoryCarné de IdentidadID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Address | Fingerprint | Parents' Names
Compulsory for anyone 16 and older and must be carried at all times. It is routinely used for identi...
CyprusMandatoryIdentity CardCivil Registry and Migration DepartmentID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of Birth | Parents' Names | Mother's Maiden Name | SignatureDigital photograph | Fingerprints | Digital signature
Compulsory at 12
Czech RepublicMandatoryObčanský průkazMinistry of the InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Marital status is included by default unless the holder explicitly opts out.Digital photograph | Digital signature
Compulsory at 15 for those with a permanent stay registered in the country
DjiboutiMandatoryMinistry of InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address
Compulsory for all Djiboutians. Electronic since 2014
DominicaVoluntaryMulti-Purpose Identification CardID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of Birth
The Dominica national multpurpose identitification card is optional for all Dominiquais nationals an...
Dominican RepublicMandatoryCédula de Identidad y ElectoralCentral Election Board (Junta Central Electoral)ID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address Civil Status | Occupation
If needed, an underage ID card may be obtained at the age of 16, yet the official ID (which will all...
EcuadorMandatoryCedula de IdentidadDirección General de Registro Civil, Identificación y CedulaciónName | Sex | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of birth | Level of education | Signature | Marital status | Parents’ names | Place of issuanceFacial image and one fingerprint
Every citizen over 18 years must have a national identity card. The renewal of the card is $10.00
EgyptMandatoryMinistry of InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Address | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Religion | Marital Status | Parents' Names | Signature
The Personality Verification Card is compulsory at the age of 16. Not carrying the ID card is only p...
El SalvadorMandatoryDocumento Único de Identidad (DUI)Registro Nacional de las Personas Naturales / Tribunal Supremo ElectoralID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint | Years Valid | Expiry Date | Place of Birth | Parents' Names | Marital Status | Profession | Blood TypeDigital photograph | Fingerprints
Every citizen 18 years or older must carry this ID card
EritreaMandatoryDepartment of Internal AffairsPhoto | Name | Birth Date | Address | Place of Birth
Compulsory for all Eritrean citizens. New version rolled out in 2014
EstoniaMandatoryNational ID CardPoliceName | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Years ValidDigital signature
Compulsory by law, but there is no penalty for not having one. Citizens carrying ID cards are not re...
EthiopiaMandatoryID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Address
A foundational digital ID, that focuses on a unique number (instead of a card), and this unique numb...
FinlandVoluntaryIdentity CardPoliceID Number | Photo | Sex | Nationality | Age | Date of Issue | Years ValidElectronic chip contains electronic client identifier: (1) electronic signature (2) unique identitfication code. Electronic client identifier allows holder to use governmental e-services
A national identity card exists, usable all over the EU and a number of other countries, but commonl...
FranceVoluntaryCNISInteriorPhoto
The country has had a national ID card since 1940, when it helped the Vichy authorities identify 76,...
GermanyMandatoryPersonalausweisHome OfficePhoto | Name | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Years ValidDigital fingerprints | Facial recognition
Compulsory for all German citizens aged 16 or older to possess either a "Personalausweis" (identity ...
GreeceMandatoryTautotitaMinistry of Public OrderID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | Signature
Police ID is the only legal identity document and no one has a right to ask for more identity docume...
GuatemalaMandatoryCedula de VecindadRegistro Nacional de las PersonasPhoto | Name | Sex | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of birth | Dates that the ID has been replaced | Signature | Marital status| Type of disability (if any)
Identity cards are issued to any Guatemalan and legal residents. For children between 0 and 12 years...
GuyanaMandatoryNational Identification CardsElections Commission
The Guyanese national identity card is an electronic ID card, compulsory for all Guyanese nationals
HondurasMandatoryHonduran Identity CardCivil RegistryFingerprint
The Honduran national identity card is an electronic ID card, compulsory for all Honduran nationals ...
Hong KongMandatorySmart ID CardImmigration DepartmentID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | FingerprintDigital Signature
Identity cards have been used since 1949, and been compulsory since 1980. Children are required to o...
HungaryMandatoryID Number | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Years ValidRFID
It is compulsory to possess an Személyi igazolvány (Identity card) or passport from the age of 14
IndiaMandatoryMulti Purpose National Identity Card (MNIC)Register General of Citizens RegistrationID Number | Photo | Name | Address | Age | RFID | Fingerprint
An Aadhaar number is a digital biometric identity issued voluntarily to residents of India, it can a...
IndonesiaMandatoryNational Identity CardPhoto | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Employment Blood type | Marrage | Disabilities
The card is issued to Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals with permanent residence in the Repu...
IsraelMandatoryTeudat ZehutMinstry of InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Date of Issue
The Teudat Zehut is first issued at age 16 and is compulsory by 18
ItalyVoluntaryElectronic Identity Card (EIC)Ministry of InteriorPhoto | Name | Birth Date | Fingerprint
The Italian electronic identity card may be issued to anyone who is resident in Italy and to Italian...
JapanVoluntaryIndividual Number Card
An Individual Number Card is issued to citizens of Japan as well as legal residents. It was introduc...
JordanMandatoryطاقة شخصية (Personal card)
First issued at age 16 and is compulsory by 18
KazakhstanMandatoryJeke kuälık (Identity card)
The identity cards have been issued since 1994 and compulsory for all citizens at age 16. Biometric ...
KenyaMandatoryKitambulisho
All citizens (and permanent residents) are issued a national identification card at age 18. As at No...
KiribatiMandatoryIdentity card
Mandatory national identity card was decided in Kiribati in 2018 and introduced soon after
KuwaitMandatoryCivil Identity CardPublic Authority for Civil InformationID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint | Years Valid
All residents of Kuwait must have a Civil ID card. The legal ascendant(s) of newborns should apply f...
KyrgyzstanMandatoryИнсандык карта (National identity card)
Compulsory at 16. Biometric since 2018
LaosMandatoryບັດປະຈຳຕົວ (identity card)Police / Ministry of Home Affairs
Distribution of national ID cards started in 2015 and the card is compulsory for all national citize...
LatviaMandatoryeIDMinistry of InteriorFingerprint
An ID or passport is mandatory for a citizen of Latvia or a non-citizen who lives in Latvia and has ...
LebanonMandatoryMinistry of InteriorPhoto
All Lebanese are obliged by law to carry their identity cards with them at all times and are subject...
LesothoMandatoryNational ID card
Compulsory for all national citizens. ID cards were implemented in 2013
LiberiaMandatoryNational identification card
New biometric national identity card have been rolled out in the late 2017
LithuaniaMandatoryPersonal Identity CardID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | Signature
Compulsory at age 16
LuxembourgMandatoryCarte nationale d'identité / Personalausweis / National Identitéitskaart (National identity card)
First issued at age 15 and only issued to Luxembourg citizens, who are required by law to carry it a...
MacauMandatoryBilhete de Identidade de Residente (Resident Identity Card)
It is compulsory for all Macau residents at the age of 5
MadagascarMandatoryKara-panondrom-pirenena / Carte nationale d'identité de citoyen malagasy
Possession is compulsory for Malagasy citizens from age 18
MalawiMandatoryNational Identification card (Chipaso cha Nzika)
Biometric. Distribution of national ID cards started in 2017 and the card is compulsory for all nati...
MalaysiaMandatoryGovernment Multipurpose Smart Card (MyKad)ID Number | Photo | Name | Fingerprint
Issued at age 12, and updated at 18
MaldivesMandatoryPassport Card
New biometric credit-sized passport cards replaced both driving licenses, health insurance cards and...
MaliMandatoryCarte nationale d'identité NINA (NINA National identity card)Fingerprint
Compulsory to all Malian citizens
MaltaMandatoryKarta tal-Identità / Identity cardFingerprint
Issued at 14, updated at 16, compulsory at 18
MauritaniaMandatoryبطاقة الهوية الوطنية / Carte nationale d’identité (National Identity cardFingerprint
Compulsory at 15. Biometric since 2013, with information displayed in Arabic, French and English
MauritiusMandatoryNational Identity Card
Every Mauritian citizen who has reached 18 years old has to apply for a National ID card, which is o...
MexicoVoluntaryMultiple cards (Acta de Nacimiento, Carta de Naturalizacion o Documento migratorio)Registro Nacional de la Poblacion
This card is required to participate in Federal level elections and while it is the de facto ID for ...
MoldovaMandatoryBuletin de IdentitateCentre for State Information Resources (Registru)ID Num ber | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Blood Type | Signature
Compulsory at 16
MongoliaMandatoryМонгол Улсын иргэний үнэмлэхийн хуудас (Citizen Identity Card of Mongolia)
The national identity card is compulsory for all Mongol citizens. Electronic since 2012, with inform...
MontenegroMandatoryLična kartaMinistry of InteriorPhoto | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Signature
Compulsory at the age of 16, but can be issued at 14 and has to be carried at all times after turnin...
MoroccoMandatoryالبطاقة الوطنية للتعريف الإلكترونية / Carte nationale d'identité électronique (CNIE) / National electronic identity cardNational Security ServiceBirth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint
This is an official document which allows any citizen to prove his identity and therefore it is vali...
MozambiqueMandatoryBilhete de IdentidadeID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Signature
MyanmarMandatoryCitizenship Scrutiny Card
Myanmar citizens are required to have a Citizenship Scrutiny Card
NamibiaMandatoryNational ID card
Compulsory for all Namibia citizens. New identity cards replaced previous “SWA” IDs in 2016
NepalMandatoryराष्ट्रिय पहिचान कार्ड National Identity Card
New biometric cards rolled out in 2018. Information displayed in both English and Nepali
NetherlandsMandatoryElectronic Identity CardMinstry of InteriorPhoto | RFID | Fingerprint
Since 1 January 2005 it is compulsory to show identification, when an authorized officer asks for it...
NigerMandatoryCarte nationale d'identité (National identity card)
NigeriaMandatoryUniversal Identification CardNational Identity Management CommissionID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Address
Compulsory. Electronic since 2013
North KoreaMandatoryNational identity card
North Korea is probably the country which imposes the strongest fines for citizens not carrying ID c...
North MacedoniaMandatoryMacedonian Identity CardMinistry of Interior
It is compulsory at the age of 18
OmanMandatoryOmani ID CardDepartment for Civil Affairs of Police and CustomsPhoto | Name | Address | FingerprintPhoto | Signature
It is compulsory for all citizens at age 16, and there are penalties for not obtaining it within one...
PakistanMandatoryComputerized National Identity CardPhoto | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Fingerprint
The CNIC with a unique 13 digit identification number can be applied for aged 18 and above
PanamaMandatoryCedula de Identidad (National identity card)Photo | Fingerprint
Cedula de Identidad. Required at 12 (cedula juvenil) and 18 years of age. Panamanian citizens must c...
ParaguayMandatoryCedula de IdentidaDepartamento de Identificaciones - Policia Nacional del ParguayName | Sex | Birth Date | Address | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place birth | Signature | ID issuance placeFacial image and right thumb
The Paraguayan national identity card is issued by the National Police and is compulsory for all cit...
PeruMandatoryDocumento Nacional de IdentidadRegistro Nacional de Identification y Estado CivilID Number | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Address | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of birth | Marital status | Signature | Voting check | Voting zone/area | Organ donation statusFacial image and one fingerprint (right index)
National Document of Identification or Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI). Citizens can have a mi...
PhilippinesMandatoryPambansang Pagkakakilanlan (Philippine Identification Card)
The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID also known as the Philippine identity card is issu...
PolandMandatoryIdentity cardID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | Date of Issue | Signature
At 18, Polish citizens with their permanent residence in Poland must obtain Polish National Identity...
PortugalMandatoryCitizen CardID Number | Photo | Fingerprint | Signature |
As of 2006 the government has issued the Cartão do Cidadão (Citizen Card). The older Bilhete de iden...
QatarMandatoryQatari ID CardMinistry of InteriorID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | Nationality | Fingerprint | Years Valid | Signature
As of 2014 the government has issued a Qatari ID Card to every Qatari citizen and resident over the ...
RomaniaMandatoryCarte de IdentitateMinistry of Internal AffairsID Number | Photo | Name | Nationality | Address | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of Birth
The Carte de identitate is compulsory at 14
RussiaMandatoryInternal passport of RussiaFacial Recognition
A Russian identity document is issued to any citizen on request at the age of 14 and reissued at age...
RwandaMandatoryNational Identity CardDigital photo | Fingerprint | Signature
Compulsory for all Rwandan citizens living in the country, with a price of 1500 RWF. Valid for inter...
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesMandatoryNational Identity Card
San MarinoMandatorySan Marino identity card
Compulsory for all Sanmarinese citizens. Biometric and valid for international travel since 2016
Saudi ArabiaMandatoryNational Identity CardMinistry of InteriorPhoto | Fingerprint | Demographics
Compulsory for men 17 and older and optional for teenage men aged 15–16. Optional for women but issu...
SenegalMandatoryNational Identification and Voters CardMinistry of InteriorPhoto | Fingerprint | Signature
Compulsory for all citizens. Biometric since 2017
SerbiaMandatoryLična karta (Лична карта) (Identity card)Ministry of InteriorID Number | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Signature
Compulsory for citizens 16 and older permanently residing in Serbia, and compulsory for non-citizens...
SeychellesMandatoryNational Identity card
Compulsory for all Seychelles citizens, with a cost of SR50
Sierra LeoneMandatorySierra Leone identity card
Compulsory for citizens and permanent residents with a price of 10,000 SLL every 5 years
SingaporeMandatoryNational Registration Identity CardID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Fingerprint | Date of Issue
Compulsory for citizens and permanent residents 15 and older and must be renewed upon turning 30 and...
SlovakiaMandatorySlovak ID CardID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Date of Issue
Compulsory for citizens 15 and older and is used to identify the bearer in daily interaction with au...
SloveniaMandatoryIdentity CardID Number | Photo
Osebna izkaznica (identity card) is issued for citizens 18 and older who have a permanent residence ...
SomaliaMandatoryWarqadda Aqoonsiga (identity card)
Compulsory for all Somali citizens. Electronic since 2014
South AfricaMandatorySouth African identity cardFingerprint
Compulsory for citizens 16 and older, and compulsory for all non-citizen permanent residents. The ol...
South KoreaMandatory주민등록증 (Identity card)
South SudanMandatoryNational ID
Issued to every South Sudanese of at least eighteen years of age for purposes of employment or as re...
SpainMandatoryDNIeDirectorate General of PolicePhoto | Fingerprint | Signature
Compulsory for anyone 14 and older. Minors younger than 14 can obtain a DNI, for example, to travel ...
Sri LankaMandatorySri Lanka National Identity CardDepartment for RegistrationID Number | Photo | Sex | Birth Date | Address
All citizens over the age of 16 need to apply for a National Identity Card (NIC), all citizens are r...
SudanMandatoryNational identity cardMinistry of InteriorName | Birth Date | Address | Fingerprint | Signature | Bood type
Compulsory for all Sudanese citizens
SurinameMandatoryIdentiteitskaart (national identity card)
Compulsory for all Surinamese citizens
SwedenVoluntarynationellt id-kortPoliceID Number | Photo | Name | Birth Date | RFID | Date of Issue | Years Valid | SignatureDigital photo
Having an identity card in Sweden is not mandatory, but it is needed in several situations, e.g. for...
SwitzerlandMandatoryIdentitätskarteFederal Office of PoliceID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Address | Age | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
The Swiss identity card is issued to any citizen. It is not mandatory to carry, but it or a passport...
SyriaMandatorySpecial ID CardFingerprint
Compulsory for all Syrian citizens. Must be uptained at the age of 14. Information displayed in Arab...
TaiwanMandatoryRepublic of China National Identification CardID Number | Photo | Birth Date | Address
Compulsory for ROC nationals 14 and older whose household is registered in Taiwan
TajikistanMandatoryКорти миллии миллӣ (national ID card)
Compulsory for all Tajik citizens. Electronic, with informations displayed in both Tajik and English...
ThailandMandatoryบัตรประจำตัวประชาชน (Thai national ID card)Ministry of Justive
Compulsory for citizens who are 7 – 70 years of age. People older than 70 years and exempted citizen...
Timor LesteMandatoryBilhete de Identidade (Identity Card)ID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Place of Birth | Parents' Names | Marital Status | SignatureDigital photograph | Fingerprints | Digital signature
Compulsory for all East Timorese citizens. Issued since 2018, with EU and Portuguese funds
Trinidad and TobagoMandatoryNational Identification CardPhoto
The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) is responsible for the issuing of National Identificat...
TunisiaMandatoryطاقة التعريف الوطنية (Tunisian National Identification Card)Fingerprint
Compulsory for citizens 18 and older. A minor can obtain a national identity card with a legal ascen...
TurkeyMandatoryKimlik Kartı (Identity card)Ministry of InteriorPhoto | Fingerprint
Compulsory from birth and must be carried at all times. A photograph is optional until the bearer tu...
UgandaMandatoryNationa Identity CardMinistry of Internal AffairsID Number | Photo | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Address | Age | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid
Compulsory for all Rwandan citizens living in the country, with a price of 1500 RWF. Valid for inter...
UkraineMandatoryПаспорт громадянина України (Passport of Ukrainian citizen)
Compulsory for citizens 14 and older. Before 2016, the national identity card was a blue soft paper ...
United Arab EmiratesMandatoryطاقة الهوية الوطنية (National ID Card)
Compulsory for citizens, expatriates and residents. This is also known as Emirates ID
United KingdomVoluntaryIdentity CardHome OfficePhoto | Name | Sex | Birth Date | Nationality | Signature
Identity cards were introduced on a limited voluntary basis in 2009 under the Identity Cards Act 200...
UruguayMandatoryCedula de IdentidaMinisterio del Interior y la Dirección Nacional de Indentificación Civil (D.N.I.C)Photo | Name | Birth Date | Fingerprint | Date of Issue | Years Valid Place of birth | SignatureFacial image and one fingerprint (right thumb)
The Identity document (previously known as "Cédula de idenitdad"), are issued to all Uruguayan citiz...
UzbekistanMandatoryShaxs Guvohnmasi (National identity card)
National identity card have officially Uzbek passports internally in 2021
VenezuelaMandatoryDocumento de identidad nacionalServicio Administrativo de identificación, Migración y Extranjería / Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Interiores y JusticiaPhoto | Name | Birth Date | Date of Issue | Years Valid | Signature | Marital statusFacial image and one fingerprint
Compulsory for anyone 10 and older, and it must be renewed every 10 years
VietnamMandatoryNational ID CardNationality | Fingerprint
All citizens above 14 years old must possess a citizen identification card (latest version is an ele...
ZambiaMandatoryNational Registration Card
Compulsory for citizens aged 16 and older. It is laminated and must be carried at all times
ZimbabweMandatoryNational Registration CardFingerprint
Compulsory for citizens 16 and older. It is plastic and must be carried at all times
showing: 142 rows

What countries have national ids?

China, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Estonia, Peru, Pakistan, and India are all examples of countries that have a national ID for their citizens. The Philippines is also considering adding a national ID requirement to its identification system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources