Samoans look set to be carrying new National Identification cards before the end of the current Parliamentary term.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the idea of the card had been around for a while.

Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

He said with changes in technology and the country's economic growth, the timing was now right.

A Cabinet statement said the National ID card would be similar to the United States Green Card.

Tuilaepa said it could be used for many purposes including medical and voter identification, driver licenses as well as National Provident Fund services.

The prime minister said he was optimistic the card would be rolled out under the current administration.