Resident Identity Card
Resident Identity Card (second-generation)
The Resident Identity Card is China's mandatory national ID for citizens aged 16 and over, with the second generation carrying an embedded contactless IC chip. It encodes an 18-digit citizen number and is required for banking, SIM registration, travel, hotels, and most government services, anchoring China's real-name registration regime.
Effectively universal among adults (well over 1 billion holders)
Domestic
Privacy and trust
The card anchors China's real-name regime, enabling extensive linkage across telecom, finance, travel, and facial-recognition networks that rights groups cite as enabling state surveillance.
Identity verification providers
Independent identity verification vendors that support documents like this for KYC and onboarding. Exact document coverage varies by provider and region, so confirm support before relying on it.
Resident Identity Card: frequently asked questions
- Who must have a Resident Identity Card?
- All PRC citizens aged 16 and older are required to hold one, while children under 16 may apply voluntarily.
- Is there a digital version of the physical card?
- Yes. China issues an online cyber ID via the MPS network identity platform, letting citizens prove identity online without carrying the physical card.