Identiteitsnummer

Identiteitsnummer is a personal identifier used to uniquely identify individuals within government and organizational records. It serves as a key across administrative processes such as taxation, social security, healthcare, education, and civil documentation. The number itself is sensitive personal data and is typically tied to multiple databases, enabling efficient linking of information about a person. In many systems, the identiteitsnummer is not a form of identity proof on its own but a practical reference used to access services and store records.

In the Netherlands, the identiteitsnummer is known as the burgerservicenummer (BSN). The BSN is a nine-digit number issued when a person registers with the municipality and is widely used in interactions with public services and many private organizations. In Belgium, the equivalent is the Rijksregisternummer, an 11-digit identifier used for public administration, taxation, social security, and health care; it is carried on the national identity card and serves as a common reference across civil records.

Use and protection of identiteitsnumers are governed by privacy and data protection rules. Because the number can be used to access sensitive information, it is considered highly confidential. Organizations restrict sharing and require legitimate purposes to collect or process it. Individuals are advised to protect their identiteitsnummer from unauthorized use and to be cautious about displaying it publicly or in unsecured contexts. See also related identifiers such as national identification numbers and social security numbers in other jurisdictions.