The ISO/IEC 7810 standard is an international standard that defines the physical characteristics of cards (credit cards, ATM cards, ID cards, etc.) such as physical dimensions, bending, resistance to flame, chemicals, temperature and humidity, toxicity, flexing stiffness, flammability, and so on.
Let's list the physical characteristics specified in the standard:
- Flexing stiffness
- Flammability
- Toxicity
- Resistance to chemicals
- Dimensional stability and warping of the card under temperature and humidity
- Resistance to degradation from exposure to light and heat
- Durability
So how many types does the 7810 standard define?
According to the 7810 standard, there are four card sizes: ID-1, ID-2, ID-3, and ID-000.
| Type | Size | Usage Area |
|---|---|---|
| ID-1 | 85.60 x 53.98 mm | Most bank cards and ID cards |
| ID-2 | 105 x 74 mm | French and other ID cards; visas |
| ID-3 | 125 x 88 mm | US government ID cards |
| ID-000 | 25 x 15 mm | SIM cards |
Is the thickness the same for all of the card sizes listed above?
Yes, it is. All card sizes have a thickness of 0.76 millimeters ( 1 ⁄ 32 inch).
Let's take a closer look at these ID types:
ID-1
The ID-1 format specifies a size of 85.60 x 53.98 millimeters. (3 ⁄ 8 inch x 2 1 ⁄ 8 inch) and has rounded corners with a radius of 2.88-3.48 mm (approximately 1 ⁄ 8 inch). It is generally used for payment cards (ATM cards, credit cards, bank cards, etc.). Today it is also used in many countries for driving licenses and personal ID cards, automatic fare collection cards for public transportation, and retail loyalty cards.
ID-2
The ID-2 format specifies a size of 105 by 74 millimeters ( 4 1 ⁄ 8 inch x 2 15 ⁄ 16 inch). This size can be described as the A7 format. The ID-2 format is generally used for visas and for French and Romanian ID cards.
ID-3
The ID-3 format specifies a size of 125 x 88 millimeters ( 4 15 ⁄ 16 inch x 3 7 ⁄ 16 inch). This size can be described as the B7 format. The ID-3 format is widely used for passport booklets.
ID-000
The ID-000 format specifies a size of 25 x 15 millimeters (1 inch x 9 ⁄ 16 inch), with one corner slightly chamfered (3 mm, or about 1 ⁄ 8 inch). The ID-000 format is used for the "mini-SIM" form factor of subscriber identity modules.
