National identification card (Taiwan)

The National Identification Card is issued to nationals with household registration in Taiwan. Establishing household registration in Taiwan is required for a national over 14 years of age to possess a National Identification Card. In Taiwanese laws, household registration has close ties to exercise civil and political rights like a citizen (公民). The Taiwanese laws makes a distinction between "nationals with household registration" (NWHR, 有戶籍國民) and "nationals without household registration" (NWOHR, 無戶籍國民), with the former having the right of abode, right to vote, and other benefits of citizenship, while the latter are subject to deportation from Taiwan and need an entry permit to visit Taiwan. While NWHR are entitled to hold the National Identification Card, NWOHR may only hold the Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC). Both groups are eligible to hold the Taiwan passport. The Taiwan Area Resident Certificate is nearly identical to the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) held by foreign residents in Taiwan.

Anyone under the age of majority in Taiwan (20 years of age), one of whose parents was an NWHR at the time of birth, could direct establish household registration. (Before 1980, this was only possible if said parent was the father, i.e. nationality was transmitted through the male line. In particular, the child of a Taiwanese mother and foreign father was not even an NWOHR, let alone eligible to establish household registration.)

Adult NWOHRs with direct lineal relatives who are NWHRs are eligible to apply for the aforementioned TARC and are eligible for household registration after residing in Taiwan for a certain period of time. Currently, this period is (1) continuously for one year, (2) 270 days per year for two years, or (3) 183 days per year for five years.

In 2024, new amendments to the Immigration Act passed in 2023 took effect, which dramatically loosened restrictions on children of NWHRs to establish household residency. In particular, adult NWOHRs, at least of whose parents was a NWHR at the time of birth, were eligible to directly establish household registration. While this eliminated the legal distinction with respect to eligibility for household registration between underage and adult NWOHR children of NWHRs, there remain several administrative differences to actually register, such as the requirement for the adult NWOHR to enter Taiwan on an NWOHR passport (in contrast, underage NWOHRs can enter Taiwan on a foreign passport before establishing household registration).

For foreigners who have naturalised as ROC nationals as well as all other holders of TARCs, the above periods of time (continuously for one year, 270 days per year for two years, or 183 days per year for five years) also apply after they receive their TARCs before they are eligible for household registration.

The Identification Card contains the holder's photo, ID number, Chinese name, and (Minguo calendar) date of birth. The back of the card contains more detailed information, including the person's registered address where official correspondence is sent, as well as the names of his/her legal ascendant(s). If the person moves, he/she must re-register at a municipal office (戶政事務所).

Unlike the Republic of China passport which can be issued overseas at Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices and ROC embassies and consulates, the National Identification Card is only issued in Taiwan at district, municipal, and township offices. Male dual passport holders who register for household registration and the Identification Card also become eligible for military conscription within the Republic of China, unless the person has overseas resident status (僑居身分).

Possession of the Identification Card is required to obtain the People's Republic of China's Taiwan Compatriot Permit for entry into Mainland China. Most countries granting visa-free entry for ROC passport holders require that the passport holder also possess a National Identification Card. Those without National Identification Cards (e.g. "unregistered nationals") will have the National Identification Card field blank in their passports.

Every citizen (and every foreign resident on their Resident Certificate) has a unique ID number. A valid National Identification number consists of one letter and nine digits. The initial letter depends on the place of one's first household registration for citizens and the city where one first registered residence for foreign residents. The first digit depends on sex; 1 for male citizens, 2 for female citizens, 8 for male foreign residents, and 9 for female foreign residents. The last digit is a checksum.

The letter usage is as follows:

• Identity document
• List of national identity card policies by country
• Household registration in Taiwan
• Taiwan passport
• Resident Certificate