List of national identity card policies by country

This national digital ID system also offers real-time online and offline authentication to support eKYC. It is consent-based biometric-backed identification for all legal residents of Ethiopia (non-citizens and minors are also eligible).^{[118] [119]}

The country has had a national ID card since 1940, when it helped the Vichy authorities identify 76,000 for deportation as part of the Holocaust.

In the past, identity cards were compulsory, had to be updated each year in case of change of residence and were valid for 10 years, and their renewal required paying a fee. In addition to the face photograph, the card included the family name, first names, date and place of birth, and a unique national identity number relating to the national INSEE registry, which is also used as the national service registration number, and as the Social Security account number for health and retirement benefits.

Later,^[when?] the laws were changed^{[citation needed]} so that any official and certified document (even if expired and possibly unusable abroad) with a photograph and a name on it, issued by a public administration or enterprise (such as a rail transport card, student card, driving licence or passport) could be used as proof of identity.^[123] Also, law enforcement can now accept photocopies of these documents^{[citation needed]} when performing identity checks, provided that the original document is presented within two weeks.^{[citation needed]} For financial transactions, any of these documents must be equally accepted as proof of identity.^{[citation needed]}

Identity cards are still issued, but are free of charge, and not compulsory. Legislation has been published for a proposed compulsory biometric card system, which has been widely criticised, among others by the "National commission for computing and liberties" (Commission nationale de l’informatique et des libertés, CNIL), the national authority and regulator on computing systems and databases. Identity cards issued since 2004 include basic biometric information (a digitized fingerprint record, a printed digital photograph and a scanned signature) and various anti-fraud systems embedded within the laminated card.

The French health insurance card, a smart card named "Carte Vitale 2", includes a digital photograph and other personal medical information in addition to identity elements. The previous version included a chip and a magnetic stripe, but contained very little information.

French authorities have extensive powers to verify identification as such French nationals and residents tend to carry identification with them at all times to verify identity if under inspection.

As driving licences are not legally accepted forms of identification in Germany, most persons carry their "Personalausweis" with them.^[124] more

The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar has a voluntary ID card system for citizens, valid in the UK and EU/European Free Trade Association member countries.

Police has the legal power to stop people on streets at random and ask for ID card. If the person has no proof for identification one can be detained for maximum 24 hours.

The Principality of Liechtenstein has a voluntary ID card system for citizens, the Identitätskarte.

Identiteitskaart (Identity card) Although it is not compulsory to get an identity card, since 1 January 2005 it is compulsory to show identification when an authorized officer asks for it, from the age of 14. An authorized officer can only do so under certain circumstances which include suspicious behaviour, committing any offence, or if a person is interviewed as a witness of a crime. Identity checks at events where public order may be in danger are also allowed. Random ID-checks are not allowed but can still happen in certain areas under certain circumstances such as at a train station or in suspicious areas such as streets where prostitution is rife, and a fine for not showing proof of identity may be successfully challenged in such cases. The fine for not being able to show proof of identity when legally required is €60 (16 and over) or €30 (if 14 or 15). Proof of identity is also required when opening a bank account and when entering an employment contract. Having identification and the ability to identify oneself is mandatory, but carrying identification is not.^[139] If a person is in possession of an ID-card but is not carrying it at the time of being asked to identify themselves, as long as that person demonstrates a willingness to take the authorities to whatever place the ID-card is stored (no matter how far) they are operating within the bounds of the law. The lack of mandatory carrying laws date back to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, where such laws did exist and were used to carry out genocide on the Dutch population.^[140][141]

Private identity cards also exist. Bank issued debit cards have had a photo of the holder on the back since the 1980s. The banks have stated that they no longer intend to issue photos on their debit and credit cards, as they think ID-cards should be a public service. This requires people who do not have a driving licence to bring their passport in many situations.

Having an identity card in Sweden is not mandatory, but it is needed in several situations, e.g. for bank services or when picking up a package at a post office.
Sweden has since 2005 issued EU standard national identity cards, but they are not compulsory and only obtainable by Swedish citizens,^[153] mostly intended to use for intra-Schengen area travel. The Swedish tax authority does since 2009 issue official identity cards for anyone resident in Sweden. Driver's licenses is the most commonly used identity document in Sweden. Between 2005 and 2009 it was almost impossible for immigrants to get a card because of tightened security to get a bank card, since a close family member having a Swedish identity document had to vouch the identity. Not having an ID card in combination with a crime giving a fine (e.g. riding public transport without a ticket), is a suspicion to escape it, which is a reason for detainment in Sweden.

The Swiss identity card is issued to any citizen. It is not mandatory to carry, but it or a passport is needed in some situations. Driver's licenses are not always valid as identity document as they don't expire and can be old.

In many US states a valid ID is required for voting purposes only. It can be various different types of ID including a US Passport Card or Passport Book.

In the past, compulsory ID cards or something compulsory resembling ID cards have existed, such as internal passports for freed African Americans before the abolition of slavery, and the draft cards for men (during times when men were conscripted into the army). In some states, there is a Stop and identify statute meaning that an identity card (or driver's license or other photo ID) can be demanded. There is, however, no obligation to carry or own an identification card.

However, the US Immigration and Nationality Act requires non-citizen permanent residents to carry their Permanent Resident Card or "Green Card" with them at all times as proof of identity and legal status. In addition, under the REAL ID Act, those obtaining such an ID in order to board a commercial aircraft or enter a secure facility must present proof of legal status to obtain such an ID.

The US uses the Social Security card as the de facto national ID number of the country.

The Vatican City issues identity cards for its citizens^[164] (such as the Pope), for main identification.^[165] It is unclear if it is compulsory or not. Valid in Schengen Area.

In 1985, there was a failed proposal to create an Australia Card. In 2006 the Australian Government announced the introduction of a non-compulsory Access Card that would act as a gateway to services administered by The Department of Human Services. This project, however, was terminated in November 2007.