Identity Cards: Azerbaijan's Citizen Identification Method

Citizens of Azerbaijan have access to a mandatory national identity card, issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The cards were first introduced in 1994 and updated in 2014, with the country beginning to issue biometric identity cards in 2018. Citizens can apply for the ID card at their local police station or ASAN service center, and the card can be used as a travel document to enter Turkey when travelling directly from Azerbaijan.

How to obtain an Azerbaijani ID card

Yes, citizens of Azerbaijan have an identity card. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an Azerbaijani ID card:

Step 1: Visit Your Local Police Station

Go to your nearest local police station to apply for an Azerbaijani ID card. You can find the address of your local police station by searching for it online or by asking for directions.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Before submitting your application, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Completed application form
• Passport or Form No.9
• Birth certificate (photocopy)
• Marriage certificate (photocopy)
• Military card (photocopy)
• Order or Certificate of Registration of Flat
• Medical reference (including blood group, height, and eye color)
• Three 3x4 colored passport-sized photographs
• Receipt of payment for the state duty
• Agreement application of flat owner

Note that while you only need to submit photocopies of most documents, it is advisable to bring the original documents as well in case the officer needs to verify them.

Step 3: Submit Your Application and Required Documents

Submit your completed application form along with all the required documents to the officer at the police station.

Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fees

Pay any necessary fees. Please note that ID cards for applicants under 16 years of age are issued free of charge. The fees for issuing or renewing an ID card for citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan are as follows:

• Within 10 days: 5 AZN
• Within 3 working days: 25 AZN
• Within 1 working day: 35 AZN

Step 5: Wait for Processing

It typically takes around 10 days for your Azerbaijani ID card to be issued.

Additional Information:

Remember to renew your ID card when you reach the ages of 25, 35, and 50. Additionally, if your ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, immediately report it to the relevant state body that issued the document.

Azerbaijan introduced biometric identity cards on September 1, 2018, which can be used as a travel document to enter Turkey when travelling directly from Azerbaijan.

What information is on the card

Citizens of Azerbaijan are issued an identity card, which is a mandatory form of identification. The identity card is an electronic document that contains a chip with the holder's personal information. This includes their place of residence, marital status, biometric photographs, and other individual indicators. The card also includes the holder's fingerprints, with one finger from each hand being recorded. For citizens under the age of 15, fingerprints are not taken.

The identity card serves as a confirmation of the holder's identity and can be used as a travel document when entering Turkey directly from Azerbaijan. The card features a digital photograph of the holder, as well as additional biometric data such as fingerprints and palm prints.

To obtain an Azerbaijani identity card, citizens must apply at their local police station or ASAN service centres. The application requires a completed form and supporting documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, military cards, medical references (blood group, height, eye colour), and photographs. There is a fee for issuing or renewing the card, with different rates depending on the urgency of the request.

The identity card is an important document for citizens of Azerbaijan, providing proof of identity and residence within the country. The card is mandatory for all citizens aged 16 and above, while a separate identity card is issued for citizens under the age of 16.

The history of the ID card

One precursor to modern national ID cards emerged in 19th-century France. Napoleon introduced a system of internal ID documents for workers in 1803-1804 as part of his efforts to streamline the central government. Although these passcards were intended for workers, they inspired other countries to implement more comprehensive ID systems. Sultan Mahmud II introduced national ID cards to the Ottoman Empire in 1844, impressed by the success of the Napoleonic reforms.

The contemporary era of ID cards began with World War II. In 1938, the United Kingdom passed the National Registry Act, mandating that all residents possess identity cards. The German government also instituted an ID system, although these cards included information about residents' religion for discriminatory purposes. Several other countries, including France, Greece, and Poland, followed suit.

In the decades following WWII, ID card adoption was rapid in Asia, with newly independent governments seeking to expand state authority. Hong Kong and Taiwan introduced ID cards in 1949, followed by South Korea and Singapore in the 1960s.

ID systems continued to expand and evolve, with the introduction of increasingly sophisticated biometrics. South Africa introduced electronic ID cards in 1999, and Indonesia launched an ID system with iris and fingerprint information in the 2000s.

Today, most ID cards are smart cards with embedded integrated circuits that are difficult to forge. They often include biometric information such as photographs, facial measurements, iris measurements, or fingerprints. The adoption of ID cards remains a subject of debate, with some countries mandating their use while others have no government-issued compulsory ID cards for their citizens.

In Azerbaijan, the history of the ID card is also notable. The country introduced mandatory ID cards in 1994, with updates made in 2014. In 2018, Azerbaijan began issuing biometric identity cards, which can be used as travel documents to enter Turkey directly from Azerbaijan.

The cost of obtaining an ID card

In Azerbaijan, citizens are required to hold an identity card from the age of 16. There are no costs associated with obtaining an ID card for the first time for applicants younger than 16. However, for applicants aged 16 and above, there is a fee for obtaining or renewing an ID card. The cost depends on the urgency of the request:

• Issuing or renewing an ID card within 10 days: 5 AZN
• Issuing or renewing an ID card within 3 working days: 25 AZN
• Issuing or renewing an ID card within 1 working day: 35 AZN

It is important to note that ID cards must be renewed upon reaching the ages of 25, 35, and 50. Additionally, in the event of a lost or stolen ID card, a replacement can be obtained by submitting a request to the territorial police department. The citizen must provide a written notice indicating the place, time, and condition of the loss or theft. There is also a fine of 30 AZN for the loss of an ID card that must be paid. The cost for obtaining a replacement ID card is the same as the fees for issuing or renewing the card.

The process of renewing an ID card

Yes, citizens of Azerbaijan have an identity card. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to renew an ID card in Azerbaijan:

• Go to your local police station: Visit your nearest local police station to initiate the renewal process. You can find the address of the police station in your area using the "Office Location and Contact Information" section on the relevant website.
• Complete and submit an application form: Fill out the necessary application form and submit it to the Registration and Identity Card office of the Territorial Police Department.
• Provide the required documents: Along with the application form, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Expiring/expired ID card
• Three colored photos

Pay the renewal fee: There are different fees depending on how quickly you need the renewed ID card:

• Issuing or renewing within 10 days: 5 AZN
• Issuing or renewing within 3 working days: 25 AZN
• Issuing or renewing within 1 working day: 35 AZN

Receive your renewed ID card: The processing time for the renewal of your ID card is approximately 10 days.

Please note that you must renew your ID card upon reaching the ages of 25, 35, and 50. The above process outlines the standard procedure for renewing an ID card in Azerbaijan.

Frequently asked questions