National identification

This is a list of identity document policies by country.

A national identity document ("ID" or "identity card") is defined as an identity card with photo, usable as an identity card at least inside the country, and which is issued by an official authority.

Regional government issued driver's licenses and other cards indicating certain permissions are not counted here as national identity cards. So for example, by this criterion, the United States drivers license is excluded, as these are local (state) government issued (although these or the state ID are all-but required as nation-wide identification).

According to a 1996 publication by Privacy International, around 100 countries had enacted laws making identity cards compulsory. In these countries, the card must be shown on demand by authorised personnel under specified circumstances. In some countries alternative proof of identity, such as a driving licence is acceptable. Privacy International said that "virtually no common law country has a card".

The term "compulsory" may have different meanings and implications in different countries. Possession of a card may only become compulsory at a certain age. There may be a penalty for not carrying a card or similar identification (e.g., a passport). In some cases a person may be detained until identity is proven. This way the police can identify fugitives. In some countries, police need a reason, such as crime suspicion or security risk. In other countries, police can ask for ID without stating a reason. Random checks are rare, except in police states. Normally there is an age limit, such as 18, after which the possession is mandatory, even if minors aged 15–17 may need a card in order to prove that they are under 18.

In the European Union, a citizen's national identity card – if it complies with certain standards – can in most cases be used to travel (within the EU) in lieu of a passport.

The card's front has the bearer's picture (with an electronic stamp on it) and right thumb print. It also includes either the bearer's signature or – if the bearer is illiterate – the phrase "cannot sign" (não assina) The verso has the unique number assigned the bearer (registro geral or RG), the card's expiration date, the bearer's full name, parents' names, birthplace (locality and federation unit), birth date, and CPF number. It may include some additional information. It is officially 102 × 68 mm, but lamination tends to make it slightly larger than the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-2 standard of 105 × 74 mm, so it is a tight fit in most wallets. A driver's licence has only recently been given the same legal status as the national identity card. In most situations, only a few other documents can be substituted for a national identity card: for example, identification documents issued by national councils of doctors, accountants, dentists, engineers, lawyers, and other professionals.

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