National identity cards in the Organization of American States

National identity cards are issued to their citizens by the governments of most Organization of American States (OAS) member states. The exceptions are Canada and the United States, although the latter issues a passport card which is a valid document in some countries.

Travel document
As an alternative to presenting a passport, in some countries, due to bilateral agreements, citizens are entitled to use a valid national identity card as a stand-alone travel document to exercise their freedom of movement. Such arrangements include Mercosur, the CA-4 agreement, and the CARICOM passport.

Identification document
There are varying rules on domestic use of identity documents. Some countries demand the use of a national identity card or a passport, while others allow for other documents like driver's licences.
 * Usage in own country

In some countries, e.g. Canada, United States, Mexico and Dominica, national identity cards are fully voluntary and not needed by everyone, as identity documents like driving licences are accepted domestically. In these countries only a minority have a national identity card, since most people already have the other acceptable documents.

Even in those OAS countries that impose a national identity card requirement on their citizens, it is generally not required to carry these cards at all times.

Some countries allow freedom of movement of their citizens in other countries; in these cases, people may be able to use their national identity document. This arrangement is in place in Mercosur member states and associates, as well as members of CARICOM and CA-4.
 * Usage outside own country

Design and features
The design of the identity cards of OAS member states has changed over time. For example, Colombia's Cédula de Ciudadanía has developed in appearance and security measures against counterfeiting. In 2015, Uruguay added a biometric chip to its Documento de identidad (previously Cédula de identidad), except for minors. In 2023, Argentina started to issue a new Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) with a new biometric chip.

Overview of national identity cards
Member states issue a variety of national identity cards which differ in their technical specifications and issuing procedures. In most cases, cards can be issued abroad through a country's consulate.