National Identification Card (Republic of China)

National Identification Card of the Republic of China
Frontside of a Republic of China ID card
Backside of a Republic of China ID card
Date first issued	1949
Issued by	Republic of China
Type of document	Identity document
Purpose	Identification
Eligibility requirements	Republic of China nationality and Household registration in Taiwan

The National Identification Card (Chinese: 國民身分證; pinyin: Guómín Shēnfènzhèng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Kok-bîn Sin-hun-chèng) is a compulsory identity document issued to nationals of the Republic of China who have household registration in the Taiwan Area. The Identification Card is used for virtually all other activities that require identity verification within the ROC such as opening bank accounts and voting. Household registration in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu along with other outlying islands as evidenced by the Republic of China National Identification Card, rather than the Republic of China Passport, grants the holder the right of abode and right to vote in the ROC.

The National Identification Card is issued to ROC nationals 14 years and older who have household registration in the Taiwan Area. Establishing household registration is required for a national over 14 years of age to possess a National Identification Card. Since the nationality law of the Republic of China makes no provision for "citizens" (公民) but merely defines those with ROC nationality as "nationals" (國民), ROC law makes a distinction between "registered nationals" (有戶籍國民) and "unregistered nationals" (無戶籍國民), with the former having the right of abode, right to vote, and other benefits of citizenship in Taiwan, while the latter are subject to deportation from Taiwan and need an entry permit to visit Taiwan. While "registered nationals" are entitled to hold the National Identification Card, "unregistered nationals" may only hold the Taiwan Area Resident Certificate. Both groups are eligible to hold the Republic of China passport. The Taiwan Area Resident Certificate is nearly identical to the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) held by foreigners resident in Taiwan.