The electronic identification card and resident card are  an ID card featuring the holder’s photograph and a microchip that contains the user’s biometric data.  Every citizen and resident holding  an id card has his/her own unique civil number  that identifies and protects his/her rights.   

Oman's National Electronic ID card  is the first smart card-based citizen ID solution ever to be deployed in the middle East, making it a landmark project.

Why should I get an electronic ID card?

The electronic ID card works as A multi-application card of  this kind could integrate: a personal identity card, a driver’s license, an e-government card with a digital signature for using special official services, a credit card . There will be even more services in the future, and thus the electronic ID card will become a single key for numerous on-line services.

With the electronic identification card, it is possible to exchange information over data networks with public authorities, companies and corporate bodies. The uses to which the card can be put are numerous. For cardholders, the card saves time and trouble as they can access services from practically any computer round the clock. At the same time, administrative services will become more diversified and efficient. What is more, the cost of producing the services will be reduced, allowing greater potential for expanding their uses.

A prerequisite for transacting official business on an on-line basis is that the service providers can offer effective services. Once this is accomplished, people can access them through the internet or some other information network. To make it possible to perform secure transactions and use a digital signature, the computer or other terminal must be fitted with a card reader that is available as an accessory. In future, card readers will be standard on computers, just as disk drives are today.

A number of technical applications for various uses can be incorporated in the electronic ID card according to the cardholder’s wishes. Such applications may include municipal services or encrypted e-mail.

A solution that guarantees security in open information networks already exists. The personal civil number used for reliable electronic information ensures that people exchanging official information over the network are exactly who they claim to be.

The electronic identification card is safe to use because it is based on high-security, microchip technology. As with other smart cards, every cardholder has a civil number and the holder biometric data . No one can access to it even in the event that the card is lost or that unauthorized person try to use it.