ID Codes

Iran issues foreigners several identification codes for different purposes — the Shenaseh Faragir, Code Yekta, Code Faragir and others, and where to get them.

Every Iranian national is assigned a unique 10-digit national identity number (Code Melli), essential for accessing services such as banking, medical care, education and other administration. Foreigners do not have one, which has led to significant shortcomings in integrating them into Iran’s bureaucratic systems — and a real sense of exclusion and inefficiency when accessing services.

Iran’s administrative systems are often complex and rigid, and foreigners face numerous obstacles in navigating them. One such challenge is the requirement for multiple identification codes, each serving a different purpose. Keeping track of several distinct identifiers — and knowing when and where each is used — can become confusing and burdensome. There appears to be a plan to consolidate the various codes into a single, comprehensive ID, but such reforms are far from materialising, so for now foreigners must manage several codes.

Code Shenaseh Faragir

The Immigration Police issue a 16-digit code to every individual who legally enters the country. This Code Shenaseh Faragir is automatically generated at the point of entry, and a barcode label containing the unique code is affixed to the passport. It is important that this label remains intact and is not removed. If no label is attached on entry, it will be affixed when the residence permit is issued.

Code Yekta

Code Yekta is a unique identification number for foreign nationals residing in Iran, intended as the equivalent of an Iranian citizen’s Code Melli. While it is anticipated that all foreign nationals will eventually need it, it is currently issued primarily to children, as it is required for school registration.

Applying cannot be done online — it requires visiting a Foreign Nationals Support Office (Daftar Kifalat). Schedule an appointment with one of these offices (a downloadable list is available online). At the appointment, officials verify your passport and residence permit, collect biometric data, and charge a small fee before issuing the code a few days later. Typically there are two codes: one unique to the individual and a family code shared by all family members. These are printed on paper and given to you — keep them somewhere safe, as various institutions may require them.

Code Faragir

Another important code is the Code Faragir, also called Code Fida or Code Ikhtisasi. This 12-digit unique identifier is used by banks and other financial institutions for foreigners in place of the Code Melli, and is required to open bank accounts and carry out financial transactions. Like the Code Yekta, it is obtained from a Daftar Kifalat, so it is convenient to request both at once. Alternatively, banks or hawzahs may be able to help obtain it independently.

Other codes

• Driving Licence Melli ID — issued by the Road Traffic Police, this functions like a Code Melli but specifically for driving. It consists of a letter followed by 9 digits.
• Vehicle Ownership Melli ID — also issued by the Road Traffic Police, this appears on vehicle registration and ownership documents. Even if you already have a driving licence Melli ID, a separate, identical-looking code is issued to identify the foreign owner of the vehicle.
• School Melli ID — generated by the Ministry of Education for school-age children, used for school registration, ordering books and tracking a child’s progress.
• Student Code — a student ID number issued by some schools, normally displayed on an identification card with the student’s photo.