Identity Documents Act (IDA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 1 Identity documents
1 All Swiss nationals are entitled to one of each type of identity document. 2 Identity documents within the meaning of this Act serve as proof of Swiss nationality and of the identity for the holder. 3 The Federal Council shall determine the types of identity document and regulate the special features of identity documents whose holders enjoy privileges and immunities under the Vienna Convention of 18 April 1961 on Diplomatic Relations or the Vienna Convention of 24 April 1963 on Consular Relations.
Para. 3 — SR 0.191.01 Para. 3 — SR 0.191.02
Art. 2 Content of the document
1 Each identity document must contain the following data: a. official surname; b. first names; c. sex; d. date of birth; e. place of origin; f. nationality; g. height; h. signature; i. photograph; j. issuing authority; k. date of issue; l. date of expiry of validity; m. ID document number and type. 2 The data specified in letters a-d, f, and k-m are also contained on the identity document in machine-readable form. 2bis The identity document may be provided with a data chip. The data chip may contain a facial image and the fingerprints of the holder. The other identity document data referred to in paragraphs 1, 3, 4 and 5 may also be stored on the chip. 2ter The Federal Council shall determine which types of identity documents are provided with a chip and which data are to be stored on it. It shall ensure that an identity document without a chip may also be applied for. 2quater The identity document may also contain electronic identities for authentication, signature and encryption func
Para. 2bis — Inserted by Art. 2 No 1 of the Federal Act of 13 June 2008 on the Approval and Implementation of the Exchange of Notes between Switzerland and the EC on Biometric Passports and Travel Documents, in force since 1 March 2010 (AS 2009 5521; BBl 2007 5159). Para. 2ter — Inserted by Art. 2 No 1 of the Federal Act of 13 June 2008 on the Approval and Implementation of the Exchange of Notes between Switzerland and the EC on Biometric Passports and Travel Documents, in force since 1 March 20
Art. 2a Security and reading of the data chip
1 The data chip shall be protected against forgery and unauthorised reading. The Federal Council shall determine the corresponding technical requirements. 2 The Federal Council is authorised to conclude agreements with other states on the reading of the fingerprints stored in the chip, provided that the states concerned have a level of data protection that is equivalent to that in Switzerland. 3 It may authorise transport companies, airport operators and other appropriate bodies that need to check a person's identity to read the fingerprints stored on the chip.
Art. 2a — Inserted by Art. 2 No 1 of the Federal Act of 13 June 2008 on the Approval and Implementation of the Exchange of Notes between Switzerland and the EC on Biometric Passports and Travel Documents, in force since 1 March 2010 (AS 2009 5521; BBl 2007 5159).
Art. 3 Validity period
Identity documents are valid for a limited period of time. The Federal Council shall regulate their period of validity.