identification

Identification is the process of recognizing or establishing the identity of a person, object, or concept. It involves linking observed characteristics to a specific identity and may be performed through recognition, documentation, or measurement. Identification is distinct from authentication, which confirms that a claimed identity is valid, and from authorization, which determines access rights based on that identity.

For people, common methods include official documents such as passports, national identity cards, driver's licenses, and birth certificates, as well as digital identifiers like usernames and email addresses. Biometric identification uses physical or behavioral traits, including fingerprints, iris patterns, facial features, voice, or gait. Modern systems often combine multiple methods in identity verification and identity management.

In practical contexts, identification underpins border control, law enforcement, banking, healthcare, and online services. Identity verification is the process of proving a claimed identity, while identity authentication confirms the trustworthiness of that claim. Identity management systems store and manage identities and provide credentials and access controls, sometimes using identity providers, authentication protocols, and single sign-on.

In science and scholarship, identification refers to the assignment of a label to a specimen, organism, object, or phenomenon, such as determining a plant species or diagnosing a condition. In research, accurate identification supports reproducibility and credibility.

Privacy and security concerns accompany identification, including the risk of identity theft, surveillance, data breaches, and biometric false positives or negatives. Legal and ethical frameworks regulate how identities are created, stored, used, and protected.