Britain is one of the few EU countries without a system of ID cards. Several countries have compulsory ID cards for everyone, including :
- Portugal (from 10 years old)
- Hungary (from 14)
- Romania (from 14)
- Spain (from 14)
- Belgium (from 15)
- Germany (from 16)
- Poland (from 18)
- Slovenia (from 18)
France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland have non-compulsory ID cards. It is more popular in some countries than others. For instance, 90% of French people have one.
Currently, the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland do not have ID cards.
The UK intends to make the new ID card compulsory for anyone owning a passport, and voluntary for others. The card would be the same size as a credit card and possess an electronic chip, like those in Belgium and Italy.
More information on the following sites :
BBC Q&A: Identity card plans
Wikipedia : British national identity card
- Portugal (from 10 years old)
- Hungary (from 14)
- Romania (from 14)
- Spain (from 14)
- Belgium (from 15)
- Germany (from 16)
- Poland (from 18)
- Slovenia (from 18)
France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland have non-compulsory ID cards. It is more popular in some countries than others. For instance, 90% of French people have one.
Currently, the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland do not have ID cards.
The UK intends to make the new ID card compulsory for anyone owning a passport, and voluntary for others. The card would be the same size as a credit card and possess an electronic chip, like those in Belgium and Italy.
More information on the following sites :
BBC Q&A: Identity card plans
Wikipedia : British national identity card