What Are Biometric Identification Cards?

Biometric identification cards are similar to existing ID cards, but they include biometric information. Most people are familiar with traditional identity cards that include basic details about an individual, such as a photograph, name, reference numbers, or other information.

Biometric id cards are often issued to staff members at large and small companies, to students at high schools and universities, or to citizens and employees by governments around the world. 

First, you need to understand biometric information before you can understand how biometric id cards work. 

Biometric Identification Cards

Understanding Biometric Information

Biometric information is information about an individual’s body. Height and hair color are both examples, although these things are not very useful for identification, since they can change. 

One of the most commonly used forms of biometric information for identification is the fingerprint. It has thought that no two individuals have the same fingerprints, and the patterns change very little over time.

Other types of biometric information that may be used for identification include iris scans, hand scans, and facial recognition.

How Does Biometric Information Get onto the Biometric ID Card?

Today it is easy to store a significant amount of information in a small space. Biometric information can easily be stored on magnetic strips or on microchips within these ID cards.

These very technologies have already been employed on credit cards for many years. The biometric information stored on biometric cards may vary, depending on how and by whom the cards are being used.

How is Biometric Information Used?

Many people are concerned about how the information from a biometric ID card may be used. It is often difficult to say how this information will be used.

However, it is important to understand a couple of important facts. First, simply having a card will not do anything, since the cards only have a purpose if they are used and checked. 

Second, the biometric information on these cards will need to be checked against a list. Because this list is stored somewhere, using the card will allow your activity to be traced, monitored, and tracked.

How are These Cards Being Used?

Biometric identification cards are used in many different ways today, particularly by individuals and companies that may need greater security.

Companies that work within fields that are highly competitive may use biometric ID cards to provide extra security against theft and illegal duplication. Government sectors, schools, universities, and research institutions also find many benefits to using these identification cards.

Biometric ID Cards Across the World

Many countries are beginning to use biometric identity cards to help identify their citizens. Here is a look at some of the ways countries across the world are using these cards:

United Kingdom – The UK is working to establish a national ID card system that makes use of biometrics to identify citizens. The information is stored in a central database and accessible by multiple government sectors.

Spain – Spain is using a social security card that uses biometrics along with a smart card chip that helps store this information.

Malaysia – A national ID system has been implemented in Malaysia, and it uses smart card chips, photos, and biometric fingerprint recognition.

France – France is also encouraging the implementation of an ID card system for citizens that will rely on biometrics.

Netherlands – An automated border crossing system is used in the Netherlands, and it uses biometric iris recognition, smart card chips, and photos.

United States – Many companies within the US are using biometric ID cards and some universities are switching to biometric identification cards as well.