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Know when a NRIC number is fake - steps to validate one

With the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the Singapore government has mandated the use of SafeEntry NRIC check-ins to facilitate contact tracing. Before entering any store/ building, everyone is required to register their NRIC number either by the NRIC card, or using the SafeEntry app. This process is called the SafeEntry NRIC check-in. Singapore is the first in the world to implement a country-wide contact tracing system, and many countries have lauded Singapore for her efficiency and quick-thinking. When the mobile app for SafeEntry NRIC check-in was launched, many countries showed interest in the SafeEntry NRIC technology.

Because of its prevalent use during this period, you must be wondering...

What is a Valid NRIC Number?

Is S981234A a valid NRIC number?  What about T9823212Z? The NRIC is used for many purposes in Singapore. While it may seem totally random, there is a actually formula behind how each NRIC number is generated. Here's a quick recap on the algorithm! 

The structure of the NRIC/ FIN consists of 1 character, 7 digits, then a checksum character (e.g. @xxxxxxx#).

Singapore NRIC card with identification number
Sample of NRIC Card with Identification Number

First Letter of the NRIC (e.g. @)

The first letter can be "S", "T", "F" or "G" depending on the status of the holder. The table below details the mutually exclusive and exhaustive conditions:

First letter in NRIC

Condition

S

Singapore citizens and permanent residents born before 1 January 2000

T

Singapore citizens and permanent residents born on or after 1 January 2000

F

Foreigners issued with long-term passes before 1 January 2000

G

Foreigners issued with long-term passes on or after 1 January 2000


It is widely believed that "S" stood for "Singapore" and "F" for "Foreign". "S" is also the 19th Engligh letter, representing births from the 1900s. The "T" and "G" ranges introduced in 2000 were simply the next letter in the English alphabet.

7-digit Serial Number of the NRIC (e.g. xxxxxxx)

For the NRIC, the first 2 digits represent the year that you are born (i.e. 98xxxxx suggests the person is born in 1998). The next 5 digits are simply a counter assigned in the order of babies born in that year.

Unfortunately, FINs are randomly assigned and do not identify with the holder's time of birth or year of issuance in any capacity.

Last Letter of the NRIC (e.g. #, the checksum)

Though not publicly announced, the algorithm to calculate the checksum is easily reversed engineered. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to calculate the checksum letter for a valid NRIC number. (link)

Now you know what happens during a SafeEntry NRIC check-in when the barcode reader scans your NRIC number to log your check-in!

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