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Identity cardBelgium

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Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Belgium

64. Identity card

An identity card is an official document used to prove a person's identity. It is normally issued by a government or another competent authority and contains identifying information such as the holder's name, date of birth, photograph and a unique document or identification number.

Identity cards may be required for identification checks, administrative procedures, travel or access to services. The obligation to possess or carry an identity card, the information it contains and whether it can be used as a travel document vary between countries.

Identity card
Front of a Belgian electronic identity card introduced in 2021. (Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Government of Belgium • CC0
What is the Belgian eID?

The Belgian eID is the electronic identity card issued to Belgian citizens from the age at which the ordinary Belgian identity-card system applies. It proves the holder's identity and contains an electronic chip that can also be used for electronic identification.

At what age do Belgians receive an identity card?

The Belgian eID is issued from the age of 12. Belgian children younger than 12 can instead have a Kids-ID.

From what age must you carry an identity card in Belgium?

Every Belgian must normally carry their identity card from the age of 15. In the event of loss, theft or destruction, the recognised temporary proof of the declaration can serve as identification in the circumstances provided by law.

Must a driver carry an identity card in Belgium?

A Belgian who is subject to the general obligation to carry an identity card must continue to do so while driving. The identity card and driving licence are separate documents and serve different purposes.

Is a Belgian identity card the same as a driving licence?

No. The identity card proves the person's identity. A driving licence proves that the person is authorised to drive the vehicle category concerned.

Can a Belgian identity card replace your driving licence?

No. A person driving a motor vehicle for which a driving licence is required must hold and carry the appropriate valid driving licence. Carrying an identity card does not replace this requirement.

Can the police ask for your identity card after a traffic offence?

Yes. A person over 15 must show their identity card or equivalent proof when requested by an authorised person following an offence against Belgian road-traffic legislation.

Must you show your identity card after a traffic accident?

Yes, when required. A person over 15 involved in a road accident must show their identity card or equivalent proof to other persons involved who request it. An authorised person may also require identification.

Why is identification important after a traffic accident?

Identification allows the people involved and the authorities to establish the identity of the parties so that the accident can be properly recorded and the necessary information exchanged.

Can a Belgian eID be used as a travel document?

Yes. A valid Belgian eID can be used as an identity and travel document within the European Union and in certain other destinations that accept it. Entry requirements should always be checked before travelling.

What should you do if your Belgian identity card is lost or stolen?

Report the loss or theft as quickly as possible through DOC STOP so that the document can be blocked. You must then follow the applicable procedure to obtain temporary identification and request a new identity card.

Can you receive temporary identification after losing your Belgian eID?

Yes. After the loss, theft or destruction has been reported, the municipality or police can issue an Annex 12 in the applicable circumstances. It serves as temporary proof of identity within Belgium.

1 Belgium 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Speed bump 12 Customs 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 Mandatory direction 28 Turn prohibition 29 School area 30 Crossing animals 31 Rockfall 32 Curve 33 Chevron 34 Wrong-way driving 35 Roadworks 36 Height limit 37 Width limit 38 Weight limit 39 Radar speed sign 40 Selective barriers 41 Intersection direction sign 42 Priority at the next junction 43 Traffic lights 44 Pedestrian lights 45 Driving licence 46 Location marker 47 Traffic mirror 48 International border 49 Cycling route 50 Parking 51 No parking 52 Kiss and ride 53 Parking meter 54 Traffic management 55 Reversing 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Ring road 59 Cycle highway 60 Licence plate 61 Charging station 62 Dangers 63 Turn on red 64 Identity card 65 Fire risk 66 Pedestrian 67 Moped 68 Car 69 Truck 70 Bus 71 Police 72 Ambulance 73 Tram lights 74 European emission standard 75 Pothole 76 Public square 77 Path 78 Particulates 79 Air pollution 80 Rush hour 81 Road code 82 Street gutter 83 Cargo bike 84 Forestry vehicle 85 Construction vehicle 86 Semi-trailer truck 87 Trolleybus 88 Speed pedelec 89 Delivery vehicle 90 Idling 91 Tow truck 92 Four-wheel drive 93 No vehicles 94 Bicycle 95 Motorcycle equipment 96 Railcar 97 Rail track 98 Public transport 99 Caravan 100 Trailer ...