Definition

1. Noun:
   • An official document that proves who you are: An identity card is a small, flat, usually plastic card issued by a government or organization. It contains personal information about the bearer, such as their full name, date of birth, photograph, and often a unique identification number. Its primary purpose is to certify the identity of the person carrying it.

Usage

• An identity card is typically required to prove one's identity in official situations, such as when opening a bank account, voting, or entering secure buildings.
• It is often carried on one's person.
• The phrase is commonly used in British English; in American English, "ID card" or simply "ID" is more frequent.

Examples

• Noun:
  • All employees must wear their identity cards visibly while on company premises.
  • The police officer asked the driver to present his identity card.
  • You will need a valid identity card to collect the package.

Advanced Usage

• "To check someone's identity card": To examine an identity card to verify a person's claimed identity.
  • Security will check your identity card at the entrance.
• "Identity card holder": This can refer to the person who possesses the card, or a protective sleeve for carrying the card.
  • As an identity card holder, you are responsible for keeping it safe. (person)
  • I bought a new leather identity card holder. (sleeve)

Variants and Related Words

• ID card (n): A common abbreviation for "identity card."
• Identification card (n): A more formal, full term with the same meaning.
• Photo ID (n): A general term for any identification document that includes a photograph, such as a driver's license or passport, which serves a similar purpose to an identity card.

Synonyms

• Identification: The act of proving or recognizing who someone is; also used to refer to the document itself.
• Credentials: Documents or certificates that prove a person's identity or qualifications.

Related Phrases

• "Proof of identity": Evidence used to establish who a person is. An identity card is a common form of proof of identity.
  • A passport or a national identity card are accepted as proof of identity.
• "To carry identification": To have an identity document with you.
  • It is advisable to carry identification at all times.

Noun

1. a card certifying the identity of the bearer
   • he had to show his card to get in