National identification card (Taiwan)

The National Identification Card (Chinese: 國民身分證; pinyin: Guómín Shēnfènzhèng; Wade–Giles: Kuo-min Shen-fen-cheng) is the compulsory identity document issued to all citizens of the Republic of China (Taiwan) aged 14 and over. It serves as the primary form of identification within Taiwan for various activities, including opening bank accounts, voting, and accessing government services.

The card contains essential personal information such as the holder's name, date of birth, sex, national identification number, photograph, and address. It also includes the date of issuance and issuing authority. The national identification number is a ten-digit alphanumeric code unique to each citizen.

Historically, the card has undergone several revisions and formats. Recent versions have incorporated enhanced security features to prevent counterfeiting and fraud. The card is frequently used to verify identity in both online and offline contexts.

A move towards a "New National ID card" (晶片國民身分證) incorporating a chip that can store additional data and facilitate e-governance services has been planned for some time, although implementation has faced delays and public debate regarding privacy concerns and data security. The proposed card would allow for easier access to various government services and streamline identification processes. However, these plans are subject to ongoing discussion and potential modifications.