ID Tech

Biometric ID Cards

Biometric ID cards embed fingerprints or facial data on a chip for secure identity verification in travel and public services.

Biometric ID cards store biometric templates on a secure chip to verify the holder and prevent fraud during identity checks.

Latest Updates

  • 2025-07-01: Switzerland confirmed biometric ID cards will launch by end-2026, storing face and fingerprints on a secure chip in line with EU Regulation 2019/1157.

References

Vendors using Biometric ID Cards

Thales Group

Latest Data Cards

  • Data Card

    Ethiopia Issues Tender for 20 Million Pre-Personalized Secure Resident ID Cards

    2026-01-05CC-BY-4.0biometric-id-cardsnational-eid

    Ethiopia’s National ID Program published a procurement notice for supply and delivery of 20 million pre-personalized secure resident ID cards.

    • The notice text specifies a bid submission deadline of January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM local time in Addis Ababa with a public opening shortly after.
    • The notice specifies bid security of ETB 14,000,000 (or equivalent convertible currency) via bank guarantee.
    • The tender references beneficial ownership disclosure requirements for bidders.
  • Data Card

    UIDAI Raises Aadhaar PVC Card Fee and Discontinues Hologram

    2026-01-05CC-BY-4.0national-eidbiometric-id-cards

    India’s UIDAI increased the Aadhaar PVC card service fee and issued guidance discontinuing the Aadhaar hologram on the optional physical card product.

    • UIDAI’s memo raises the Aadhaar PVC card fee from ₹50 to ₹75, inclusive of taxes and delivery charges.
    • UIDAI issued a circular stating Aadhaar PVC cards will be issued without the hologram feature.
    • UIDAI also published guidance related to preventing unauthorized use of the Aadhaar name and logo.
  • Data Card

    Ethiopia Plans Secure Physical ID Cards Linked to Fayda Digital ID

    2025-12-15CC-BY-4.0national-eidbiometric-id-cardsdigital-id

    Ethiopia says it will begin issuing secure physical ID cards tied to its Fayda digital identity system, aiming to support in-person identity checks and biometric authentication for eKYC workflows.

    • The National ID Program says the card issuance work is part of expanding the Fayda digital ID ecosystem.
    • Officials describe the cards as supporting higher-assurance in-person identity verification.
    • The program is positioned as enabling biometric authentication within identity proofing and verification flows.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a biometric ID card?
A physical identity card containing a chip with biometric templates such as fingerprints.
Where are biometric ID cards used?
They are used in national ID programs and for travel documents.
Are biometrics stored securely?
Yes, data is typically encrypted and access-protected on the card chip.
How are cards verified?
Inspectors read the chip and validate signatures using PKI (e.g., CSCA/DSC for eMRTD) and check data consistency with the printed document.