Republic of China National Identification Card

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The Republic of China National Identification Card (Traditional Chinese: 中華民國國民身分證) is issued to all Republic of China Passport holders that have a household registration in the Republic of China. While the Republic of China Passport allows for entry into Taiwan, the Identification Card is used for virtually all other activities that require identity verification within the Republic of China such as opening bank accounts, renting apartments, employment applications and voting. It is the possession of the Republic of China National Identification Card and NOT the Passport which grants the holder the right of abode within the Republic of China.

The Identification Card contains a photo of the holder, their identification number, along with his/her Chinese name. The birth year is also calculated with year 1 being 1911, which is the founding of the Republic of China. Thus a person with birth year of 1981 will have a birth year of 70 on the card. The back of the card also contains the person's registered address. With few exceptions, all correspondence are sent to this address only. If the person moves, he/she must re-register at a municipal office (Traditional Chinese: 市役所).

Unlike the Republic of China passport which can be issued overseas at Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices, the National Identification Card is only issued in Taiwan at municipal offices. Duel Passport holders that have a household registration can only apply for the Identification Card after they enter the Taiwan using the Republic of China Passport.