The future ID card will be based on radio-frequency technology. It is referred to as RFID or RFID tag [see photo, "Anatomy of an RFID Tag"]. This ID will be implanted in the human body since it is a microchip. This microchip will be also use for medical records, contact information and many other unexplored possibilities, such as tracking device. One type of human microchip implant is the Verichip which has been approved for medical applications already. This Verichip transmits a 16-digit code that is unique to a reader.

The microchip emits a radio signal that encodes 128 bits of information but it is readable centimeters away or up to 20-30 feet. The wireless data transmitter has a small antenna that picks up electro magnetic beams which power it to send signals to the reader device and the microchip functions at a frequency of 134 kilohertz. Its function is not only for humans but for objects too. The RFID tag microchip can be as small as a grain of sand and placed on objects as a sticker. In fact, it has already been used by your local Wal-Mart store to track items.

Albrecht,Katherine and Mclntyre, Liz. “ What is RFID”, (2003-2007). URL address: http://www.spychips.com/what-is-rfid.html

Foster,R. Kenneth and Jaeger,Jan. “ RFID inside”, ( March 2007).
URL address: http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/mar07/4939.

Wikipedia: Microchip Implant (Human). (24 November 2008). URL address:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(human)

Picture: Lefkowitz,lester. ” Anatomy of an RFID tag”. URL address:
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/mar07/4939/rfidef1

Juels, Ari. “ RFID Security and Privacy A Researh Survey. RSA Laboratories (28 September 2005). URL address:
http://www.rsa.com/rsalabs/staff/bios/ajuels/publications/pdfs/rfid_survey_28_09_05.pdf