Countries National Identity Cards
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Countries National Identity Cards Europe Asia Africa Americas Oceania National Identification Cards Worldwide Cost of National ID Cards in Different Countries Key Observations Further Notes |
An Overview of National ID Card Systems Worldwide
National identity card policies vary greatly across the world. Some countries have compulsory national identity cards, others have voluntary systems, and some have no widespread national identity card at all. The Aadhaar card from India is the most widely used ID card in the world, with over 1.3 billion cards issued to its citizens. It is a biometric-based, 12-digit unique identity number that serves as a foundation for accessing government benefits, banking, and other services.
The EU has 27 member countries, Germany has the largest population at 84,075,075, followed by France at 66,650,804 and Italy at 59,146,260. The European Union(EU) however, does not have a single, EU-issued identity card, instead, each member country issues its own national identity card. However, these national cards are mutually recognised across the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) for travel and are becoming increasingly digital, with a common framework for digital identity to be implemented in the coming years.
ID cards can greatly benefit countries by improving public service access, deterring identity fraud, and streamlining verification for both public and private sectors. They can provide citizens with a secure way to prove their identity for things like voting, banking, and travel, while also helping governments and employers manage immigration and employment rights more effectively. Below is a list summarising the approaches taken by various countries regarding national identity cards.
- United Kingdom: No national identity card for citizens. Identity documents such as passports or driving licences are used for identification. However, the UK government announced plans to roll out a free digital ID scheme, branded BritCard, for all UK citizens and legal residents. This digital ID will become mandatory for Right to Work (R2W) checks by the end of this Parliament, while citizens will not be required to carry it or present it routinely. The ID will reside within individuals’ GOV.UK wallets on their phones, alongside the upcoming Digital Driving License.
- Ireland: No national identity card for citizens. The Public Services Card is used for access to services but is not an official identity card.
- France: France does not have a compulsory national identity card, but it is a legal requirement for all residents and visitors to carry some form of valid government-issued identification.
- Germany: Compulsory national identity card (Personalausweis) for citizens 16 and older; must be able to present it to authorities upon request.
- Spain: Compulsory national identity card (DNI) for all citizens from the age of 14.
- Italy: National identity card available and widely used; not mandatory to carry at all times but must be provided to authorities upon request.
- Sweden: Voluntary national identity card; passports and driving licences are commonly used for identification.
- Netherlands:Compulsory to carry identification (ID card, passport, or driving licence) from age 14.
- Belgium: Compulsory national identity card for all citizens aged 12 and over.
- Poland:Compulsory national identity card for citizens 18 and over.
- China: Compulsory Resident Identity Card for citizens aged 16 and over.
- Japan: My Number Card system is voluntary; other forms of identification commonly used.
- India: Aadhaar card is voluntary but widely used for accessing government services.
- Singapore: Compulsory national registration identity card (NRIC) for citizens and permanent residents from age 15.
- South Korea: Compulsory national identity card for all citizens aged 17 and above.
- South Africa: Compulsory Smart ID Card for citizens aged 16 and over.
- Nigeria: National Identity Number (NIN) is required for accessing many services; national identity card issuance ongoing.
- Kenya: National ID card compulsory for citizens aged 18 and above.
- United States: No national identity card; state-issued driving licences or non-driver ID cards are used as primary identification.
- Canada: No national identity card; provincial identification cards or passports are used.
- Mexico: National Electoral Card (INE) is the main form of official identification for citizens aged 18 and above.
- Brazil: National identity card (Carteira de Identidade) is issued by states and is widely used.
- Argentina: Compulsory National Identity Document (DNI) for all citizens.
Oceania
Australia: No national identity card; state-issued driving licences and passports are used for identification.
New Zealand: No national identity card; passports and driving licences are the main forms of identification.
Conclusion
The approach to national identity cards reflects each country’s legal, cultural, and administrative context. While many European, Asian, and African countries have compulsory or widely used national ID cards, countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand rely on other forms of identification.
National identity card policies vary by country, but many use them to combat illegal working, fraud, and terrorism, while also enabling easier access to public services. Policies often involve a combination of physical and digital identification methods, with some countries issuing physical cards, while others, like the UK, are moving toward digital-only solutions. Requirements for obtaining an ID card vary, but typically include proving identity with a variety of documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and proof of residency.
Overview of Fees for National Identification Cards
National identity cards are used in many countries as official proof of identity. National identity card policies vary by country, but many use them to combat illegal working, fraud, and terrorism, while also enabling easier access to public services. Policies often involve a combination of physical and digital identification methods, with some countries issuing physical cards, while others, like the UK, are moving toward digital-only solutions. Requirements for obtaining an ID card vary, but typically include proving identity with a variety of documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and proof of residency.
Cost of National ID Cards in Different Countries
National identity cards are used in many countries as official proof of identity. The cost of obtaining such a card varies significantly depending on the country, the type of card (standard, expedited, or with additional features), and the applicant’s circumstances (such as age or income status). The cost of obtaining such a card varies significantly depending on the country, the type of card (standard, expedited, or with additional features), and the applicant’s circumstances (such as age or income status). Below is an overview of typical fees charged in selected countries for their standard national ID cards, based on publicly available information as of 2025.
Comparision Table
| Country | Card Name | Approximate Cost (Local Currency) | Approximate Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Personalausweis | € 37.00 | £32 | Valid for 10 years for adults |
| France | Carte Nationale d’Identité | Free / €25 (if lost/stolen) | £0 / £22 | First issue and renewal are free; replacement has a fee |
| Italy | Carta d’Identità Elettronica | €16.79 + fees | £15 | Fees may vary by municipality |
| Spain | DNIe | € 12.00 | £10 | Free for large families |
| Portugal | Cartão de Cidadão | €15.00–€18.00 | £13–£16 | Varies by age and urgency |
| Sweden | Nationellt ID-kort | SEK 400 | £30 | Valid for 5 years |
| Estonia | Isikutunnistus (ID-kaart) | € 25.00 | £22 | Valid for 5 years |
| India | Aadhaar Card | Free | £0 | Basic issue is free; updates may incur small fee |
| Nigeria | National e-ID Card | Free | £0 | First issue is free; replacement costs apply |
| Singapore | NRIC | $10 | £6 | For citizens; higher for foreigners |
| United Arab Emirates | Emirates ID | AED 100/year | £22/year | Issued for 1–10 years |
Key Observations
- Many European countries charge between £10 and £30 for a standard adult ID card valid for 5–10 years.
- Some countries, such as France and India, issue the first card for free, with fees only for replacements or lost cards.
- Fees may differ based on age, urgency (express service), or applicant status (e.g., student, senior, or low-income).
- Some countries (e.g., Nigeria) offer free issuance but charge for replacements or expedited services.
Further Notes
Costs and procedures can change frequently, and local fees or additional administrative costs may apply. It is advisable to check the official government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information relevant to each country.
There is no single, universally agreed-upon number of countries, but the most commonly cited figure is 195, which includes 193 United Nations member states and two UN observer states: the Holy See (Vatican City) and the State of Palestine. However, the number varies depending on the source and recognition criteria, with some lists going as high as 237.
195 Countries: This is the most widely cited number and is based on the United Nations list, which includes 193 member states and 2 non-member observer states.
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