Understanding Nric Number Auto Insurance In Singapore

The National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) is a compulsory identity document for citizens and permanent residents of Singapore. The NRIC number is a unique set of nine alpha-numeric characters given to each citizen or permanent resident. The NRIC is used for identification purposes and to access many services in Singapore, such as opening a bank account. While individuals are not required to carry their physical NRIC with them at all times, it is often needed to confirm their identity. The NRIC is also used for online voting, contests, giveaways, lucky draws, and account registrations on Singaporean websites.

What is an NRIC number?

The National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) is a compulsory identity document issued to citizens and permanent residents of Singapore. The NRIC is a credit card-sized polycarbonate card, with pink cards for citizens and blue for permanent residents. Each card is identified by a unique NRIC number, a set of nine alpha-numeric characters given to each citizen or permanent resident.

The NRIC is a legal identity document that serves as proof of identity and residency status in Singapore. It is often used for transactions with the Singapore government and some commercial organisations. The card includes the holder's photograph, name, country/place of birth, and biometric data such as thumbprints and iris images.

Singapore's National Registration Act 1965 (last amended in 2016) legislates the establishment of a national registry and the issuance and usage of NRICs. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for the national registry and NRIC issuance.

Individuals must register for an NRIC within one year of turning 15 or becoming a citizen or permanent resident. Re-registration is required at ages 30 and 55 unless the individual has been issued an NRIC within the ten years prior.

The NRIC number has a specific structure: @xxxxxxx#, where @ is a letter indicating the holder's status, xxxxxxx is a 7-digit serial number, and # is a checksum letter. The letters indicate the holder's status as follows:

• S: Citizens and permanent residents born before 2000
• T: Citizens and permanent residents born in 2000 or later
• F: Foreigners with long-term passes before 2000
• G: Foreigners with long-term passes from 2000 to 2021
• M: Foreigners with long-term passes in 2022 or later

The NRIC number is a permanent and irreplaceable identifier, and its collection, use, and disclosure are governed by Singapore's Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) to prevent potential identity fraud and theft.

Who needs an NRIC number?

The National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) is a compulsory identity document issued to citizens and permanent residents of Singapore. Within a year of turning 15, becoming a citizen, or acquiring permanent residency, people must register for an NRIC. The NRIC is a permanent and irreplaceable identifier issued by the Singapore Government primarily for public administration purposes and to facilitate transactions with the Government.

The NRIC comes in two main colour schemes: pink for Singaporean citizens and blue for permanent residents. Each card is identified by an NRIC number ("Identity Card Number"), which is a unique set of nine alpha-numerics given to each citizen or permanent resident.

The National Registration Act 1965 (last amendment in 2016) legislates the establishment of a national registry, as well as the issuance and usage of NRICs. The government agency responsible for the national registry and issuance of NRICs is the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The NRIC is a required document for certain government procedures or commercial transactions, such as opening a bank account. Many businesses and other organisations in Singapore request sight of an NRIC to verify identity or to allow a person entry to premises by surrendering or exchanging it for an entry pass. However, there is no legal requirement to produce the NRIC in these situations, and often, providing any other form of identification or simply providing an NRIC number will suffice.

When do you need to register for an NRIC number?

The National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) is a compulsory identity document for all citizens and permanent residents of Singapore. People must register for an NRIC within one year of turning 15, or upon becoming a citizen or permanent resident.

Re-registrations are required for persons attaining the ages of 30 and 55, unless the person has been issued with an NRIC within the ten years prior to these ages. In other words, if you have received a replacement NRIC within the last ten years, you do not need to re-register when you turn 30 or 55.

If you are residing overseas during the NRIC re-registration period, you are required to re-register your IC within one year of your return to Singapore.

What does an NRIC card look like?

The National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) is a compulsory identity document issued to citizens and permanent residents of Singapore. The current NRIC is a credit card-sized polycarbonate card, which replaced the larger laminated cards issued since 1966. The NRIC comes in two main colour schemes: pink for Singaporean citizens and blue for permanent residents.

The front side of the card features the words "REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE" and the coat of arms of Singapore across the top. It contains the following information:

• A non-colour photograph of the holder
• (Optional) Name in Pinyin and/or ethnic characters (Chinese characters, Jawi script or Tamil script). For citizens and PRs born in Singapore, the ethnic names, if included, are identical to those on their birth certificates.
• Country/Place of Birth

The front side of the card also includes several security features. The words "REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE" change colour when the card is tilted. A window containing a smaller photograph of the holder is located below the main photograph and can also be viewed from the reverse side of the card under light. A multiple laser image on the bottom right alternates between the holder's NRIC number and the lion head symbol when viewed from different angles.

The rear side of the card includes the following information:

• Barcode of the NRIC number
• Right thumbprint of the holder
• (for PRs only) Nationality

Until 29 September 2002, NRICs indicated the holder's blood group. This information was removed due to the widespread availability of quick blood group tests conducted during medical emergencies.

When do you need to use your NRIC number for auto insurance?

The NRIC, or National Registration Identity Card, is the legal identity document for all Singapore permanent residents and citizens. It is a card, similar in size to a credit card, that contains personal information such as an individual's name, address, date of birth, and a unique National Identification Number.

As the NRIC is a permanent and irreplaceable identifier, there are strict rules in place regarding its use and collection by organisations. From September 1, 2019, it became illegal for organisations to collect, use, or disclose NRIC numbers or make copies of the NRIC, unless required by law or when necessary to accurately identify an individual.

• Healthcare matters and insurance applications: According to the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), NRIC details can be requested when applying for insurance and making medical claims. This is to accurately establish and verify an individual's identity to a "high degree of fidelity", especially when the inability to do so may pose a risk of significant harm.
• Financial transactions: Auto insurance typically involves financial transactions. As per PDPC guidelines, NRIC numbers may be collected if it is necessary to accurately verify an individual's identity to prevent fraudulent claims.
• Real estate transactions: Auto insurance may be linked to property transactions, such as when purchasing a vehicle or insuring a home. In such cases, providing your NRIC number may be necessary for accurate identification and to meet legal requirements.
• Employment-related purposes: If your auto insurance is provided by your employer, you may need to provide your NRIC number as part of your employee identification process.

It is important to note that organisations are not allowed to retain your physical NRIC or make copies unless permitted by law. When disclosing your NRIC number, ensure that the organisation has a legitimate need for it and that your personal information is handled securely and responsibly.

Frequently asked questions