The Regional ID Document of The Year aims to promote the best in security printing, system infrastructure and implementation of a government passport, identity or other security card scheme.

Romania’s new identity card is the first time the national identity document has been redesigned since its introduction in the early 1990s – and the first time it has seen a major upgrade, which includes the addition of electronic functions

To implement the new card required extensive upgrades of the National IT System for Personal Records (NITSPR), which forms the basis of the National Registry of Personal Records used to issue identity cards and manage personal data.

The new national identity card has been designed to ensure ease of authentication, and international recognition and interoperability. One version of the new card stores biometric data and fingerprints. The new document is produced by welding together a number of layers of polycarbonate and is personalised by laser engraving – and is enhanced with a suite of security features, both physical and electronic.

The card also replaces current health cards and has the potential to be used for a range of services, including education, voting and legal assistance.

The award was accepted by Sergiu Mocanu of the Ministry of Interior and Public Administration, Romania.

The award judges comprised the Board of Directors of Reconnaissance International, the conference organiser, publisher of ID & Secure Document News and joint publisher of Currency News. Nominations were sought from the high security printing community and, for future awards, this community will be invited to take part in the process of shortlisting winners as well.