Warrant card

A warrant card is a proof of identification and authority carried by police officers. The term is normally used only in the United Kingdom and in current and former Commonwealth countries. Many other countries refer to their equivalent of warrant cards simply as police credentials, commission books, or identification cards.

Warrant cards generally includes a photograph of the holder, as well as the holder's name, rank, and warrant number and a holographic emblem to mark authenticity. The warrant number is equivalent to a badge number in other police services, and is often the same as the collar number for uniformed officers. A warrant card is usually displayed alongside a badge showing the service to which the officer belongs.

The language on a warrant card usually indicates that the holder is granted authority by a specific official to perform the functions of the office held, and may also indicate training to a particular level. In the UK Police personnel authorized to carry firearms, either at any time or just while on duty, may have an endorsement on their warrant card to that effect.

Police officers in plain-clothes are required to identify themselves and produce their warrant card when they are performing their police duties and exercising their police powers. Normally, police officers in uniform are not required to produce their warrant card. However, they should do so upon the request of a member of the public unless the circumstances do not allow or the request is unreasonable.

Most warrant cards are now digital cards and may feature a barcode.

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Police Force Warrant Card has on the front: "Hong Kong Police" (in Chinese and English); a force crest in colour; the name, rank and UI of the warrant card holder; and a photograph. The card is covered with laser wording of "Hong Kong Police" in English and Chinese. On the back, the cards bears the statement: "The person whose photograph and particulars appear on the reverse is a duly appointed member of the Hong Kong Police".