National Identity Card
An identity card, of an identity document is a card that is used to verify a person’s identity. ID is used on a daily basis. You will need valid ID when driving a car, purchasing alcohol, traveling via airplane, taking out library books, visiting a bank account and even renting a movie.

The most common types of identity include a national identity card, a driver’s license and a passport. These are widely accepted valid forms of identification.

For the most part a national identity card is a substitute to a driver’s license for those who do not have a license. It will show your place of residency, your date of birth, your name, your registration number and other important information. A photo is also usually included as well as your height, weight, eye color and hair color.

When traveling overseas, you may be able to use a national identity card as valid identification. However, you will not be able to travel internationally with just an identity card; you will need a valid passport.

Passports and International Student Cards
For those who want to travel overseas, a passport issued by your country of citizenship is needed. Whether you are from America, Hong Kong, India, Canada, Australia, China or anywhere else in the world, you will need a passport to leave your country. There is no way around this.

In addition to a passport, many student travelers also chose to apply for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) which is given out to any student at a high school, college or university. These cards offer plenty of traveling discounts in a variety of countries. Cheap accommodation, discounts on travel, and deals on food are just some of the perks of an ISIC card.

Furthermore, many international teachers use an International Teacher Identity Card (ICIC) which works the same way but for those teaching overseas. It also acts as valid proof of your ability to teach overseas.

Credit Cards and other Valid Secondary Identity Cards
In many instances you will need more than one piece of identification. It is extremely easy for someone to steal a driver’s license that has fallen out of a purse. However, having two pieces of ID further proves that you are that person.

Secondary ID usually comes in the form of a credit card, a bank account card, a birth certificate or a student card. When opening a bank account, applying for a license, applying for a passport, attending an over 21 event, purchasing alcohol or tobacco, and in several other instances, you will need two valid forms of ID.

Other ID cards that may be used for certain occasions include library cards, video rental cards, grocery store and retail membership discount cards and gym membership cards. You may need to show or swipe these identity cards in order to gain access and discounts.

Identity cards including student, national, international, passport and secondary ID, are commonly used to protect against identity fraud and theft, a growing concern nationally, internationally and online.