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, Simplified Chinese: 中华民国国民身分证) is issued to all Republic of China citizens that have a household registration in the Free Area of 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 Taiwan 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 ROC Passport which grants the holder the right of abode within the Taiwan Area.

The Identification Card contains a photo of the holder, his/her identification number, his/her Chinese name and the holder's date of birth, stated in Republic Year. 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: 戶政事務所).

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. Dual Passport holders that have a household registration can only apply for the Identification Card after they enter Taiwan using the Republic of China Passport.