At what age is MyKad required?

All Malaysian citizens and permanent residents must register for and carry MyKad from age 12.

Can a generic card reader read my MyKad data?

No. Only devices loaded with JPN source code can access the chip, and biometric data is encrypted, so a generic reader cannot read or alter it.

🇲🇾 Malaysia · National ID card

MyKad

MyKad (Malaysian Government Multipurpose Smart Identity Card)

MyKad is Malaysia's compulsory physical national identity smart card, carrying personal and biometric data on a secure embedded chip. Introduced in 2001, it has historically supported functions including driving licence, e-cash, and transit payment, with access controlled by JPN.

What it does

Identity verification / KYCBiometric authenticationMobile credential (in person)

Country:🇲🇾 Malaysia

Type:National ID card

Status:Live

Launched:2001

Issuer:National Registration Department of Malaysia (JPN)

Who can get it:Malaysian citizens and permanent residents aged 12 and above (mandatory)

Format

Card

Identity attributes

NameIC numberAddressPhotographFingerprint biometric

Authentication methods

BiometricChip cryptographyQR code

Common use cases

Proof of identity and citizenshipDriving licenceATM and bankingDigital certificates for online transactions

Standards

ISO/IEC 7816 ID-1 card formatEmbedded secure chip with cryptography

Coverage

Mandatory and near-universal among the eligible population

Interoperability

Domestic

Privacy and trust

Chip data is encrypted and access-controlled so only devices loaded with JPN source code can read or update the card, and biometric updates occur only at JPN counters.

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.

Onfido Jumio Veriff Sumsub Persona AU10TIX IDnow Regula

Official source

https://www.jpn.gov.my/en/mykad-eng/informasi-mykad-kelebihan-eng

MyKad: frequently asked questions

At what age is MyKad required?: All Malaysian citizens and permanent residents must register for and carry MyKad from age 12.
Can a generic card reader read my MyKad data?: No. Only devices loaded with JPN source code can access the chip, and biometric data is encrypted, so a generic reader cannot read or alter it.

Educational reference, not official guidance. Confirm current details with the issuing authority. all Malaysia schemes · identity verification vendors