The Evolution of Passports and ID Cards: A Journey Through Time

Before the advent of modern transportation, the concept of travel as we know it today did not exist. In ancient times, only a select few, such as government officials, church officials, nobles, diplomats, messengers, and foreign merchants, required some form of identification for travel and interaction with foreign territories. These early forms of identification included engraved bronze tablet paizas or gereges used by the Genghis Khan and his vast Mongol Empire.

Early Forms of Identification

During the Silk Road era, these paizas served as both a passport and a credit card, ensuring safe passage, access to food, lodging, yams, horses, tax exemptions, and other benefits. This system aided in travel administration and trade, which was critical during the period.

For centuries, many people could not read or write, and instead, they made a mark or used a custom-designed stamped seal with a personal seal to sign documents. Kings and nobles used coats of arms as identifiers. Trade guilds also played a significant role, allowing members to recognize and trust each other.

The Rise of Passports

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that passports, in a modern sense, started to appear. The first passports, like those depicted in passport books with photographs of individuals, only began being issued around 1920. Prior to that, official documents were still handwritten and included black and white photographs.

The United Kingdom began issuing such passports in 1908, prompted by concerns about German spies. This marked an important development in the concept of international travel documentation. However, it wasn’t until after World War II that passports became compulsory for international travel.

The Emergence of ID Cards

Earlier forms of identification for specific groups, such as citizens and certain professionals, began in the late 19th century. These cards were often without photographs and carried different names and designations, serving as precursors to modern ID cards. For example, in some European countries, ID cards were issued to Jews in the late 19th century.

Across the pond, the United States did not issue ID cards to the general public until later, and even then, primarily for individuals in certain professions, spies, diplomats, and government officials. It was only after World War II that many countries started issuing ID cards to the general population.

Contemporary Considerations

Today, the usage of passports and ID cards varies significantly among nations. Countries like the United Kingdom and several others do not issue ID cards to the general public. This raises questions about the necessity and endorsement of such forms of identification in modern society.

Conclusion

The evolution of passports and ID cards is a fascinating journey through history, reflecting the changing demands and needs of a world in constant transformation. From the ancient paizas of the Silk Road to the modern passports and ID cards of today, the quest for safe and secure identification has been a persistent and evolving theme.