Who Invented Identification Card?

A version of the passport considered to be the earliest identity document inscribed into law was introduced by King Henry V of England with the Safe Conducts Act 1414. For the next 500 years up to the onset of the First World War, most people did not have or need an identity document.

When were identification invented?

In 1840, William Henry Fox Talbot pioneered the negative-positive photographic system. This invention revolutionized the identification industry, although it was not until after WWII that photo IDs became widespread. In 1858, Sir William Herschel made a biometric breakthrough.

When did identity cards come out?

Identity cards were introduced during the War under the National Registration Act 1939.