🪪
Identification Card
aɪ-den-tə-fɪ-keɪ-ʃən kɑrd
Definitions
1
Document · Official
Common
A digital representation of an official identification document containing personal information used to verify identity.
Used when discussing identity verification, travel, age verification, or official documentation.
Just got my new driver's license 🪪 - no more expired ID!
Social media post
Don't forget to bring your 🪪 for the age-restricted event tonight!
Text message
Represents formal identification across various contexts including government, employment, education, and travel.
2
Professional · Institutional
Common
Represents institutional affiliation, membership, or access credentials in professional or organizational contexts.
Used when referencing workplace badges, school IDs, or membership cards.
First day at the new job! Got my employee 🪪 and everything.
Social media post
Symbolizes belonging to organizations and access to restricted spaces or services.
Evolution Timeline
2021
Introduction of the ID card emoji in Unicode 14.0, reflecting growing digital identity verification.
Increased focus on digital identity during pandemic restrictions.
2022
Adoption in discussions about digital vaccine passports and health credentials.
Global health verification requirements for travel and venue access.
Cultural Context
Identification cards represent the formalization of identity in modern society, balancing security needs with privacy concerns.
Increasingly represents digital identity credentials as physical cards transition to smartphone-based verification systems.
The significance varies globally: mandatory national IDs in some countries versus voluntary or state-based systems in others.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Often refers to driving licence, passport, or the PASS card used for age verification.
India
Commonly associated with Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID, which are primary identification documents.
United States
Often refers specifically to driver's licenses or state IDs, which serve as primary identification.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used pragmatically for official contexts like employment, travel, and government services.
Gen_Z: Used playfully in memes about age verification, fake IDs, or looking young. Common on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Limited usage, primarily in practical contexts about documentation or identification requirements.
Millennials: Used practically for work credentials, travel documentation, and adulting milestones.
Common Combinations
🪪📱
Digital ID or mobile identification credential.
Reflects transition to digital identity documents stored on smartphones.
🪪✈️
Travel identification or passport.
Used when discussing travel documentation requirements.
🪪🔞
Age verification or proof of legal age.
Used in contexts of age-restricted venues, products, or services.