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🇮🇱 Israel · National ID card

Biometric Smart ID Card

Israeli Biometric Smart Identity Card (Teudat Zehut Biometrit)

The Teudat Zehut Biometric Smart ID is Israel's compulsory national identity card, issued from age 16. It carries an embedded chip storing a facial image and fingerprints, became the only ID type issued from June 2017, and serves as the master credential for in-person identification and online government authentication.

What it does
Identity verification / KYCBiometric authenticationOnline authenticationMobile credential (in person)
Country:🇮🇱 Israel
Type:National ID card
Status:Live
Launched:2013
Issuer:Population and Immigration Authority, Ministry of Interior
Who can get it:Israeli citizens and permanent residents; issued from age 16
Format
National ID card
Identity attributes
Nine-digit national ID numberFull nameDate of birthGenderFacial photographAddressEncrypted fingerprints
Authentication methods
Smart card chipPINNFC tap-to-phoneBiometric
Common use cases
Primary proof of identity nationwideOpening bank accountsVotingOnline authentication to gov.il
Standards
Biometric smart card with facial image and fingerprintsContact/contactless smart chip
Coverage

National Biometric Database holds data of approximately 7 million Israelis

Interoperability

Backs single sign-on across government bodies via login.gov.il

Privacy and trust

A centralized national biometric database was controversial in Israel, and the Biometric Database Law restricts access to the Population and Immigration Authority, security authorities and police.

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.

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Official source
https://www.gov.il/en/service/biometric_smart_id_request

Biometric Smart ID Card: frequently asked questions

Is the biometric ID card mandatory?
Yes, since June 2017 all newly issued Israeli ID cards are biometric, and an ID card is compulsory from age 16.
What biometric data is stored?
The chip and national database hold a facial image and fingerprints of both forefingers.
Educational reference, not official guidance. Confirm current details with the issuing authority. See Israel data protection law · all Israel schemes · identity verification vendors