Obligatory identification while applying for a visa

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Some countries got obligatory identification, where you can even receive a fine if you can't show a valid ID, see for example http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov/mobile//id/mandatory-identification-obligation.html. This made me wonder, how does this work when a resident of one of these countries applies for a visa? Obviously they can't show their passport when it's at an embassy.

The events that inspired this question are the fact that my passport was at the embassy getting a visa when I needed to go Belgium, where my Dutch drivers license is not a valid ID.



Best Answer

I can give you some examples (unfortunately none for the Netherlands), but the bottom line is - there are alternate means of identification:

  1. In Malaysia, when students submit their passports for visa renewal (a process that can take anywhere from two weeks to three months); they are given a notarized copy of their passport that they use as an ID. It also lets officials know that their status is being renewed and that they are not overstaying.

  2. In Kuwait (and other GCC states) the primary means of identification is the national id which is issued to permanent residents and citizens. Passports are rarely asked for or required as a form of an ID. All visitors must carry their passports with them at all times; and a copy of their visas. GCC citizens can use their civil id in lieu of a passport for travel between GCC member states; permanent residents, however, must still use their passports.

  3. You can always get a notarized copy of your passport for identification purposes; but unfortunately it is (usually) not valid for travel.




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What are the mandatory documents for any visa application?

Information to be Provided with Visa Application Form
  • Name of the applicant.
  • Date of birth.
  • Passport number.
  • Profession.
  • Dates of travel/stay at your destination country.
  • Contact address in the destination country.


Which is a requirement of identification?

U.S. citizens age 16 and over must bring photo-identification that has been issued by the federal government, such as a passport, or by your state government, such as a current driver's license or a photo-identification card issued to non-drivers by a state's motor vehicles department.

What documents are required for UK visa?

What Are the Required Documents for a UK Visa?
  • UK visa application form. ...
  • Two photographs. ...
  • Your Valid Passport. ...
  • Proof you have the financial means to cover the living costs while in the UK. ...
  • Proof of accommodation. ...
  • Detailed travel itinerary. ...
  • Tuberculosis Test Results. ...
  • Biometric information.


What documents are required for Australia tourist visa?

Invitation Letter.
  • Passport. ...
  • Australian Visa Application Form. ...
  • Identity Picture and Biometrics Collection. ...
  • National Identity Card. ...
  • Police Certificate. ...
  • Family Certificates. ...
  • Evidence of Financial Means. ...
  • Paid Visa Fee.




EU Blue Card visa application step-by-step guide #HalloGermany




More answers regarding obligatory identification while applying for a visa

Answer 2

I can't answer this for all countries but for The Netherlands that you specifically mentioned in your example, inside the country a valid drivers license and id card are both also a valid way of identifying yourself. Your case where you are travelling abroad while not having your passport is of course a bit rare, but as you probably know you can use a Dutch id card in Belgium and the rest of the Schengen zone. You are right in saying that your drivers license is not a valid id there though.

That said, I've also never randomly been asked for my id in The Netherlands. As stated in the comments, having a printout and a good explanation wil probably work too in case you are asked to show it.

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