Definition of identity card

The concept of identity cards can be traced back to the mid-19th century in various European countries, where they were initially introduced as a tool to regulate travel and prevent social unrest during times of political turmoil. The term "identity card" itself became popular after World War I, when many countries implemented laws requiring civilians to carry official identification documents for various purposes, including voter registration, employment verification, and conscription. The term "identity card" is a translation of the French "carte d'identité" and the German "Personalausweis," both of which were in common use in the early 20th century. In English, the term "identity card" was first recorded in 1907, in reference to a newly implemented system in the United Kingdom that required certain categories of foreign nationals to carry valid identity cards at all times. Over time, the use of identity cards expanded to include different forms and functions, ranging from basic identification documents to sophisticated biometric identification systems employed by governments for national security and immigration control. Today, identity cards are a common feature of modern society, with many countries requiring their citizens to carry them as a means of verifying their identity in a variety of everyday situations, from accessing public services to boarding airplanes.