National identity cards in the European Economic Area and Switzerland
| National identity card | |
|---|---|
| Type | Identity card |
| Issued by | Member states of the European Economic Area Switzerland |
| First issued | 2 August 2021 (new EU-standard) |
| In circulation | 53 million (2023, new EU-standard) ~200 million (total) |
| Valid in | EU and EFTA Various other countries and territories depending on the country of issue |
| Eligibility | Citizens of the European Economic Area and Switzerland |
| Expiration | New cards: Maximum 10 years Non-MRZ: 2 Aug 2026 |
| Size | ID-1 |
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National identity cards are identity documents issued to citizens of most European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) member states, with the exception of Denmark and Ireland (which however issues an equivalent passport card). A new common identity card model harmonized the various formats in use from 2 August 2021 and older ID cards are currently being phased out according to EU Regulation 2019/1157.
As of 2021, there are approximately 200 million national identity cards in use in the EU/EEA. They are compulsory in 15 countries, voluntary in 11 countries and in 5 countries they are semi-compulsory (possession of some ID is required).
Citizens holding a national identity card, which states citizenship of an EEA member state or Switzerland, can use it as an identity document within their home country, and as a travel document to exercise the right of free movement in the EEA and Switzerland.: Articles 4 and 5 However, identity cards that do not state citizenship of an EEA member state or Switzerland, including residence permits or residence cards issued to non-citizens, are not valid as travel documents within the EEA and Switzerland.