This passport-size document contains only 8 pages - the first page containing the national identification number (also in barcoded format), name of bearer, district or country of birth, as well as a photograph of the bearer. The ID number is already allocated at the time the birth certificate is generated and required for child passport applications. In the Republic of South Africa every citizen must apply for an Identity Document from the age of 16В years. South Africa Д®xplanation of identity number in a South African identity document during apartheid The Nigerian National Identification Number (NIN) is issued and managed by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and it is a set of eleven digits (e.g.: 134789009), assigned to Nigerians 0 years and above, and legal residents by the Government.

4.10 European Economic Area/Switzerland.

In countries where there is no established nationwide number, authorities need to create their own number for each person, though there is a risk of mismatching people. Authorities use databases and they need a unique identifier so that data actually refer to the searched person. Although some countries are required to collect Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) information for overseas payment procedures, some countries, like the US, are not required to collect other nations' TIN if other requirements are met, such as date of birth. However, due to function creep, the number has become used for other purposes to the point where it is almost essential to have one to, among other things, open a bank account, obtain a credit card, or drive a car.

For example, the United States developed its Social Security number (SSN) system as a means of organizing disbursing of Social Security benefits. Many countries issued such numbers for a singular purpose, but over time, they become a de facto national identification number.

Non-citizens may be issued such numbers when they enter the country, or when granted a temporary or permanent residence permit. The ways in which such a system is implemented vary among countries, but in most cases citizens are issued an identification number upon reaching legal age, or when they are born.

( Learn how and when to remove this template message)ДЄ national identification number, national identity number, or national insurance number is used by the governments of many countries as a means of tracking their citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents for the purposes of work, taxation, government benefits, health care, and other governmentally-related functions. ( April 2020) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. This article possibly contains original research.

N i number