Taiwan National ID Card (國民身分證) – 2025 Guide
The Taiwan National Identification Card is the official identity document issued to citizens of the Republic of China (Taiwan). It is mandatory for all nationals aged 14 and above and is used for legal, financial, and government services.
Key Features of the Taiwan ID Card
- Plastic credit-card-sized document
- Contains:
- Full name (in Chinese)
- National ID number (starting with a letter + 9 digits)
- Date of birth (ROC and Gregorian format)
- Household registration address
- Issuing authority
- Photo and seal
- Holograms and security features
- Written primarily in Traditional Chinese
The card is not a travel document but is often required for services, contracts, and voting.
Eligibility for a Taiwan ID Card
✅ Taiwanese citizens with household registration (戶籍)
❌ Not available to:
- Foreigners with ARC/APRC (they receive a Uniform ID Number)
- Taiwanese nationals without household registration (NWOHRs)
Household registration (戶籍) is essential to receive a full ID and associated civil rights like voting.
How to Apply for a Taiwan National ID Card
First-Time Application (usually at age 14)
- Visit the local household registration office
- Submit:
- Household registration certificate
- A 2-inch color photo
- Parents’ ID cards (if under 18)
- Fee: Free for first issuance
- Processing time: 5–10 working days
Replacement / Renewal
- Lost, stolen, or damaged: NT$200 fee
- Name change, gender change, or address update requires reissuance
- Can apply in person or via authorized proxy
Taiwan National ID Number Format
- 1 English letter (indicating birthplace) + 9 digits
- Example: A123456789
- Used for:
- Tax filing
- Opening bank accounts
- Health insurance (NHI)
- Employment and voting
- Mobile number registration
Digital ID (eID Initiative – Coming Soon)
Taiwan has plans to introduce a digital identity card (eID) with a chip and biometric options:
- Postponed from 2021 rollout due to privacy concerns
- May resume in late 2025 or 2026
- Will enable secure online government services access
- Optional at launch
Lost or Stolen Taiwan ID Card
- Report to the police station (get a report)
- Visit the household registration office to apply for a reissue
- Bring a photo and pay the NT$200 replacement fee
- Temporary ID can be issued on the same day
Taiwan ID Card vs ARC/APRC
Feature | National ID (身分證) | ARC/APRC (居留證) |
---|---|---|
Holder | Taiwanese citizens | Foreign residents |
Voting rights | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Passport eligibility | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Online services access | ✅ Full | ⚠️ Limited |
Health insurance use | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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