Photo identification

Photo identification or photo ID is an identity document that includes a photograph of the holder, usually only their face.

The most commonly accepted forms of photo ID are those issued by government authorities, such as driver's licenses, identity cards and passports, but special-purpose photo IDs may be also produced, such as internal security or access control cards.

Some countries – including almost all developed nations – use a single, government-issued type of card as a proof of age or citizenship.

The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland do not have such a single type of card.

The Scottish-born Canadian photographer William Notman, through his affiliated business, Centennial Photographic Co., which had exclusive photographic concession at the exhibition, introduced a photo identification system that was required for all exhibitors and employees of the exhibition.