Well, now, if you’re lookin’ to get a China visa, one thing you’ll need to know is the National ID number. Seems like a whole lotta folks get confused about that, but don’t worry, I’ll break it down nice and easy for ya.
First thing you gotta know is what exactly this National ID number is. Now, it ain’t your regular ol’ Social Security number or any of them fancy numbers you might be used to in the West. This here number is a special thing they use in China, sort of like an ID for folks in the country. And if you’re applying for a China visa, you might need it, dependin’ on where you’re from and what kind of visa you’re tryin’ to get.

When Do You Need the National ID Number?
If you’re from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau, you’ll probably be asked for this National ID number when you’re fillin’ out your visa application. Especially if you used to live in China or ever had Chinese nationality, they’ll wanna know this number. It’s a way to make sure they got all the right details about you.
Now, if you’re not from China, you won’t need to worry about this ID number much, but there’s other stuff you’ll need to put on the form. For example, if you’re born in China but now livin’ somewhere else, you’ll still need to fill out all these details, like your passport number, your birthdate, and your travel plans. But I digress, let’s focus on that National ID number.
What’s It Look Like?
- First, you got six digits that show your address. So, it’s like a code for where you live.
- Next comes eight digits for your birthday, in the form of YYYYMMDD. So, if you were born in 1985, on the 7th of June, it’d be 19850607.
- Last, there’s three more digits. These are just order numbers, to tell one person’s ID apart from another’s if they happen to live in the same place and be born on the same day.
What If You Don’t Have This Number?
Now, if you’re sittin’ there scratchin’ your head thinkin’ “I don’t have this number!” don’t worry just yet. Sometimes, you can use your passport number instead. But make sure you check the application guidelines carefully, ‘cause they’ll tell you exactly what you need to do in your case.

What About For People Who Ain’t From China?
Common Mistakes Folks Make
- One big mistake I see folks make is mixin’ up the National ID number with their passport number. They’re two different things, so make sure you get ‘em straight.
- Another thing folks do is forget to write their information in the right format. Like I said, that National ID number has to be in the 18-digit format. Don’t go puttin’ dashes or spaces in it. Keep it clean and simple.
- And of course, always double-check your birthday. If you put the wrong date on there, it could cause all sorts of trouble.
Why Does China Want This Info?
Conclusion
Just take your time, read the instructions, and make sure you get everything right. If you do that, you shouldn’t have any problems gettin’ your China visa.
Tags:[China visa, national ID number, China visa application, Chinese ID number, passport number, China visa process]
