RID

RID

A Registered Application Provider Identifier (RIDRIDProtocolFirst 5 bytes of AID identifying provider.Click to view →) is the first five bytes of an AID (Application Identifier) that uniquely identifies the organization responsible for a smart card application. RIDs are assigned by national ISO member bodies under the ISO 7816ISO 7816StandardPrimary standard for contact smart cards.Click to view →-5 registration authority framework, ensuring global uniqueness across all smart card ecosystems.

RID Structure and Format

The five-byte RID follows a hierarchical structure:

Category A (international registration) is used by global organizations like payment networks and the GSMA. Category D (national registration) is assigned through national standards bodies. Category F is reserved for proprietary, non-registered usage.

Well-Known RIDs

RID and Multi-Application Cards

On a JavaCard or GlobalPlatform-managed card, multiple applications from different providers can coexist, each registered under its own RID. The card's application registry maps each AID (RID + PIX) to the corresponding applet. When a reader sends a SELECT command, the card uses the RID portion to locate the provider namespace and the PIXPIXProtocolApplication-specific AID suffix.Click to view → to identify the exact application within that namespace.

Registration Process

Organizations apply for a RID through their national ISO member body — ANSI (United States), BSI (United Kingdom), DIN (Germany), JISC (Japan), or KSA (South Korea). Registration requires a formal application, a fee, and verification that the applicant is a legitimate entity. Once assigned, the RID is permanent and listed in the ISO 7816-5 registry. Smaller developers who do not need their own RID can use the proprietary F category for internal or pilot applications.