Singapore ID card

The current NRIC takes the form of a credit card-size polycarbonate card. The polycarbonate cards were first issued in the 1990s, replacing the larger laminated cards issued since 1966. The NRIC comes in two main colour schemes: pink for Singaporean citizens and blue for permanent residents (PR). Each card is identified by an NRIC number (“Identity Card Number”), which is a unique set of nine alpha-numerics given to each citizen or PR.

Front side

The front side of the card features the words “REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE” and the coat of arms of Singapore across the top, and contains the following information:

Identity Card No.
Non-colour photograph of the holder
Name (in English)
- (Optional) Name in Pinyin and/or ethnic characters (Chinese characters, Jawi script or Tamil script). For citizens and PRs born in Singapore, the ethnic names if included are identical to those on their birth certificates.
Race
Date of Birth
Sex
Country/Place of Birth

A number of security features can be found on the front side of the card. The words “REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE” change colour when the card is tilted. A window containing a smaller photograph of the holder is located below the main photograph; the window photograph can also be viewed from the reverse side of the card under light. A multiple laser image on the bottom right alternates between the holder’s NRIC no. and the lion head symbol when viewed from different angles.

Rear side

The rear side of the card has the following information:

Barcode of the NRIC number
Right thumbprint of the holder
(for PRs only) Nationality
Date of Issue
Address

Until 29 September 2002, NRICs indicated its holder’s blood group. This information was subsequently removed due to the widespread availability of quick blood group tests that are conducted during medical emergencies.