identitetskort

Identitetskort, or identity card, is a government-issued document used to prove a person’s identity in everyday situations and in dealings with authorities. It serves as an official alternative to a passport within the country and, in many contexts, for travel within a regional area such as the Schengen Area. The exact form, issuing authority, and eligibility vary by country. Some identitetskort are required to access certain public services or to vote, while others are offered as a convenient supplementary ID alongside a passport or driver’s license.

In Sweden, the national identity card is called Nationellt identitetskort. It is issued by the Police Authority (Polismyndigheten) and is recognized as official identification in Sweden and in many other EU/Schengen countries for border checks within the area. The card typically contains the holder’s name, date of birth, photograph, and a personal identity number, along with the issuing authority and the expiry date. Validity is usually longer for adults and shorter for younger applicants, and the card includes standard security features such as holograms and other anti-counterfeiting measures.

To obtain an identitetskort, applicants must be able to prove their identity and meet local requirements. Cards must be renewed before expiry. If the card is lost or stolen, it should be reported and a replacement obtained. While a national identity card is useful for travel within the Schengen Area, it does not replace a passport for international travel outside that region. The concept and rules of identitetskort also vary across Nordic countries, each with its own issuing authorities and procedures.