Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Resident Identity Card (RIC) is an official identification document issued by the Chinese government to citizens residing within China. It contains personal information such as name, gender, date of birth, and residential address.
Related terms
Hukou System: The Hukou System is a household registration system in China that links an individual's residency rights with social welfare benefits based on their registered location.
National Identification Number (NIN): Similar to the RIC, NIN is an identification number assigned by governments for tracking individuals' personal information.
Biometric Data: Biometric data refers to unique physical characteristics or traits used for identification purposes, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.