National Registration Identity Card

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The National Registration Identity Card (abbreviation: NRIC, or colloquially IC; Traditional Chinese: 身份證; Simplified Chinese: 身份证) is the identity document in use in Singapore. It is compulsory for all Singaporean citizens and permanent residents who are fifteen years of age and older to have their NRICs.

It is not compulsory for bearers to hold the card at all times, nor are they compelled by law to show their cards to police officers conducting regular screening while on patrol, for instance. Failure to show any form of identification, however, may allow the police to detain suspicious individuals until relevant identification could be produced subsequently either in person or by proxy. The NRIC is also a required document for some government procedures, commercial transactions such as the opening of a bank account, or to gain entry to premises by surrendering or exchanging for an entry pass. Failure to produce the card may result in denied access to these premises or attainment of goods and services.

The National Registration Act of 1965 (last amendment in 2001) legislates the issuance and usage of NRICs. Section 7 indicates that all registered persons of the national registry are to be issued with the identity card.

[edit] Type and design

The NRIC comes in two main colour schemes, namely pink for citizens and blue for permanent residents (PR). Each card is identified by an "Identity Card Number" (NRIC number), which is a unique set of nine alpha-numerics given to each citizen or PR at birth registration or successful attainment of permanent residence status. These numbers are similar to that on birth certificates for citizens, and are automatically transferred to the NRIC at age 15 and above.

Also indicated on the front side of the card, are the holder's name, race, date of birth, sex, country of birth, and a colour photograph. On the card's back, is the NRIC number and its bar code, a fingerprint, issue date of the card, and the holder's current residential address.

[edit] Checksum alphabet

The structure of the NRIC number: #0000000@

This is a letter that can be "S", "F", "T" or "G" depending on the status of the holder.
IC numbers issued for Singapore citizens and permanent residents before year 2000 are assigned a letter "S".
Foreigners / employment passes issued before year 2000 are assigned the letter "F".
After year 2000, Singapore citizens and permanent residents are assigned a letter "T" and foreigners will be assigned with the letter "G"

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