The era of non-electronic ID cards has drawn to a close in Chinese mainland since January 1 as it finally phases out use of its first-generation cards for chip-embedded IDs.

Chinese mainland did not require compulsory ID until 1985, the first of which were hand-written and laminated before upgrading to computer-printed laminated cards. In 2004, it introduced the second-generation ID, or plastic cards with read-write chips to hold personal information such as name, address and photo.

The first-generation ID card (left top and left bottom) and the second-generation ID card. Photo: szlh.gov.cn

 

The first-generation ID was written by hand in 1994. Photo: chinaxy.org

 

The first-generation ID card then record personal information by computer. Photo: tianhenet.com.cn

 

The second-generation ID card. Photo: jxcn.cn

Other Galleries