Website of the UK government

The different types of identity card

The identity card for British citizens

This card is light purple and light pink in colour. The card holder's British nationality is listed clearly; this card can be used for travel within the European Economic Area and Switzerland.

The identity card for British citizens will be cancelled later this year, after which it will no longer be valid.

The identity card for EEA nationals

This card is turquoise and green and does not list the card holder's nationality.

This card can only be used to prove who you are; it is not a travel document.

The identity card for EEA nationals will be cancelled later this year, after which it will no longer be valid.

• List of European Economic Area countries (on the Identity and Passport Service website) Opens new window

Biometric residence permits for foreign nationals

This card is printed on a pink and blue background. It shows your immigration status and is also a residence permit, but it can't be used as a travel document.

The card is given to people from outside the EEA. It will be given to you if you have permission to extend your stay in the UK. This might be because you are a student, or because of marriage or partnership.

• Biometric residence permits for foreign nationals Opens new window

What your identity card says about you

Your card will carry the following information about you:

• your photograph
• your full name
• your gender
• the place and date of your birth
• an image of your signature
• if you are a British citizen, your nationality

Follow the link below to see some pictures of what ID cards look like.

• Pictures of what ID cards look like Opens new window

• Information about ID cards for the transgender community Opens new window

The identity card's security features

The cards security features include:

• colour-changing ink
• a hologram
• a lens image
• elevated text
• a unique background design