Generally, most countries in the world issue identity cards, with fewer than 10 countries worldwide not issuing them, mostly confined to the
anglosphere,
microstates and
unrecognised states. In these countries, the meaning of compulsory varies. Similarly, in South America, citizens may use an identity card to travel between
MERCOSUR states. In many other areas of the world, simplified travel arrangements are in place for neighbouring countries, allowing the use of identity cards for travel.
Countries with compulsory identity cards The term "compulsory" may have different meanings and implications in different countries. of a card may only become compulsory at a certain age. There may be a penalty for not a card or identification such as a
driving licence. In some cases a person may be detained until identity is proven. This facilitates police identification of fugitives. In some countries, police need a reason to ask for identification, such as suspicion of a crime or security risk, while in others, they can do so without stating a reason. Random checks are rare, except in
police states. Normally there is an age limit, such as 18, after which possession is mandatory, even if minors aged 15–17 may need a card in order to prove that they are under 18.
Countries with de-jure non-compulsory but de-facto compulsory identity cards These are countries where official authorities issue identity cards to those who request them, it is not illegal to be without an official identity document, but practically many essential administrative operations are impossible or extremely difficult without an identity card. In these countries, basically all people request the identity card.
Countries with non-compulsory identity cards These are countries where official authorities issue identity cards to those who request them, but where it is not illegal to be without an official identity document. For some services, identification is needed, but documents such as passports or identity cards issued by banks or driving licences can be used. In countries where national identity cards are fully voluntary, they are often not so commonly used, because many already have a passport and a driving licence, so a third identity document is often considered superfluous.
Countries with no identity cards These are countries where official authorities do not issue any identity cards. When identification is needed, e.g. passports, driving licences, bank cards etc. can be used, along with manual verification such as utility bills and bank statements. Most countries that are not listed at all in this page have no national ID card. ==See also==