Inklingo

How to Say "id card" in Spanish

English → Spanish

credencial

kre-den-syalkɾeðenˈsjal

nounB1formal
Use 'credencial' when referring to an official document that proves your identity, such as a student ID, employee badge, or driver's license.
A colorful plastic identity card with a silhouette of a person and a small emblem.

Examples

Por favor, muestra tu credencial al guardia de seguridad.

Please, show your ID card to the security guard.

Perdí mi credencial de elector y tengo que tramitar una nueva.

I lost my voter ID card and I have to apply for a new one.

El candidato tiene credenciales académicas muy impresionantes.

The candidate has very impressive academic credentials.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'l', this word is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la credencial).

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one, add '-es' at the end to get 'credenciales'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “el credencial”

Correction: la credencial (it is a feminine noun).

tarjeta

nounA1informal
Use 'tarjeta de identificación' when referring to a physical card that serves as an ID, like a library card or a temporary visitor pass.

Examples

Necesito mi tarjeta de identificación para entrar al edificio.

I need my ID card to enter the building.

Credencial vs. Tarjeta de Identificación

Learners often confuse 'credencial' and 'tarjeta de identificación' because both can refer to an ID. Remember that 'credencial' is for official, often government-issued or employer-issued, identification, while 'tarjeta de identificación' is a broader term for any card that identifies you.

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