Russia Proposes New Passport Design with QR Codes and Cultural Artwork

A new prototype combines biometric data with regional art, signaling a bold rethink of national ID standards.

A Russian company has unveiled a prototype for a redesigned national passport, aiming to modernize and enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

Unlike the current red cover, the new passport would be blue and include integrated QR codes for verifying identity. These codes would store information about the holder’s marital status, health conditions, blood type, allergies, and more. All data would be accessible in multiple languages.

The proposal also merges features of both domestic and international passports. Inside, each of the 36 pages would highlight cultural elements from different Russian regions. For example, the Moscow-themed page displays the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral under normal light. But under ultraviolet light, users would see the iconic 1980 Olympics mascot and a quote from legendary broadcaster Yuri Levitan: 'This is Moscow speaking and broadcasting.'

The concept remains in the proposal stage and is currently under review by the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament.