Types of identity card

There are two types of identity card:

  • The identity card for British citizens
  • The identification card for EU or European Economic Area citizens living in the UK

The identity card for British citizens

This is lilac and salmon in colour. The holder's nationality is featured, as this card can be used for travel within the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Click here for a list of EEA countries.

Card features:
The card's high integrity design incorporates security features compliant with European and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. In addition, the data on the chip will be protected, such that the data cannot be changed, modified or cloned.

Annotated picture of the front of the identity card

The back of the identity card is shown below:

picture of the back of the identity card

A PDF document of these images can be downloaded using the links at the bottom of the page.

The identification card for EU or EEA citizens living in the UK

This is turquoise and green in colour and does not contain the holder's nationality. This card can be used for identification purposes only. The identification card is not a travel document. Click here for a list of EEA countries.

Picture of identification card for EEA nationals

Biometric residence permit

The biometric residence permit is issued to people from outside the European Economic Area granted an extension of their stay in the UK as a student, or on the basis of marriage or a partnership. In March 2009, the scheme was extended to several other categories of applicants. As well as being an immigration document for foreign nationals, this identity card allows them to prove their right to live here and to work, study or access public services. It is not a travel document.

Please visit the UKBA website for full information on the biometric residence permit.