National identity cards

Security and added value for governments and citizens with trusted national ID cards

Identity documents
Public Security
Civil identity

Thales helps governments secure identities with best-in-class smart cards featuring superior physical and digital security, made from innovative materials and technologies.

Thales’ broad expertise in national ID documents

70+

national ID programs with Thales ID card solutions

1st

eID in Finland by Thales in 1999

ISO 14298 certified Thales sites

End-to-end eID Solution

Mastering every critical step of the value chain, Thales offers cards and complete end-to-end identity solutions and services for efficient and secure enrolment, card issuance, identity management, verification, and derived digital credentials on mobile devices.
Secure eID components

Providing full secure cards or components for government printing works issuing electronic ID cards. Our offer includes modules and inlays with our multi-applicative embedded software, enabling secure storage of personal data and strong authentication for eGovernment and eServices.
Modular issuance solution

Combining software, hardware, best-in-class machinery and customization and integration services. Modular extension with post-issuance and a comprehensive cybersecurity offer ensure document longevity and robust protection against cyberthreats.

Highly secure and durable electronic identity cards

As the leader in national eID cards, we leverage our extensive expertise in digital identity and polycarbonate documents. With over 70 references for national ID cards, a history of pioneering eID card technologies and with the strong industrial setup of multiple Intergraf certified sites, Thales helps governments secure identities and deploy ID applications to offer better public services and cut administration costs.

Thales is committed to providing trust with our unique, highly fraud-resistant and durable electronic ID cards. These ID documents, produced using different personalization techniques, offer the highest security with advanced embedded software and innovative, easily verifiable security features to combat fraud. Our tamper-proof card bodies build from 100% polycarbonate, that ensure unparalleled protection and exceptional security capabilities.

Examples of identity card, health card and driver's license — © Sanna Liimatainen - Thales

Thales offers a robust portfolio of card bodies known for proven durability and long lifespan. The cards feature outstanding optical personalisation, innovative security elements and benefit from our extensive experience and expertise.

Versatile chip applications and biometrics enable strong authentication for eGovernment and eService initiatives. Our advanced chip platforms feature certified inhouse developed multi-applicative software and cryptography for secure identity verification in both face-to-face and online transactions. Our Post-Issuance Solution keeps the eID cards up to date and we also address cybersecurity threats with innovative mechanisms and OS Agility for Post-Quantum Cryptography.

Person using digital identity wallet to update their ID card securely. — © Thales / Colas Isnard

At Thales, we tackle environmental challenges and reduce greenhouse emissions. All new products adhere to eco-design principles. Since 2018, we have improved energy efficiency and use renewable electricity at our main sites. Certified products made from renewable resources, such as bio-sourced materials, are now offered. In 2024, we achieved ISCC PLUS certification, ensuring sustainable production.

ISCC Plus certified polycarbonate card — © Liimatainen Sanna

More sustainable identity: Improving environmental credentials of ID documents

Example of a national ID card and a passport data page — © Sanna Liimatainen © Thales

We provide state-of-the-art secure eID cards, leveraging our expertise in polycarbonate, security printing and embedded software to combat fraud. As a pioneer in polycarbonate documents, Thales offers the most extensive range of innovative security features for highly durable, visually attractive and fraud-resistant cards; and continuously innovates to deliver trusted and easy verifiable ID cards for citizens.

Success stories

Mauritius enhances eID and Digital Wallet with Thales’ comprehensive solution

Finland identity card and passport issued by Thales.

The concept for Finnish ID and ePassport

Improving security for the EU eResidence Permit

An eResidence Permit is essential for foreign nationals to stay in the EU. This document offers recommendations to issuers to protect identities effectively.