How the passport changed in Russia

Starting from early travel documents in the “Times of Troubles” and formalized during Peter the Great’s reign, passports primarily served administrative and police functions. The Soviet Union introduced a standardized passport system in 1932, initially excluding rural populations until the 1960s. Soviet passports detailed personal information, social status, and criminal records. The modern Russian passport, introduced in 1997, includes basic personal details and optional information like blood type.  Passport Russia

Note: This article covers internal as external passports.

Early History Passport Russia

The origins of Russia’s passport system are believed to trace back to the Time of Troubles, where “traveling letters” were used mainly for police purposes. The system was formalized during Peter the Great’s reign, with peasants requiring passports from 1721 to leave their residence temporarily. However, the nobility, officers, officials, clergy, and honorary city residents did not need passports for domestic travel.

Soviet Era Passport Russia

Lenin Against the Passport System

To continue the history of the Russian passport service, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in December, it all began with the decree “On the formation of the Main Directorate of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Militia under the OGPU of the USSR” on December 27, 1932. This body was created to oversee the militia and implement a unified passport system across the Soviet Union.

During the collapse of the Russian Empire and the formation of the Russian Soviet Republic in 1917, passports already existed. However, they were abolished immediately after the revolution as symbols of tsarist oppression. Lenin believed that passports should be eliminated to prevent any bourgeois interference in the freedom of peasants to live and work wherever they desired.

The leader of the proletariat asserted that in other countries, “there have been no passports for a long time, which is partially true, but there are other forms of personal identification corresponding to different mentalities and lifestyles. Passport Russia

After the abolition of passports, any officially issued document, from a certificate to a trade union card, was accepted as identification. In 1922, all citizens of the Russian Federation were granted freedom of movement, but this freedom was short-lived, ending in the early 1930s with the establishment of the modern passport service.

Modern Russian Passports

In 1997, Russia introduced a new form of passport, which remains in use today. These modern passports are more streamlined, containing essential personal information such as name, date of birth, and place of residence. Additionally, there is space for optional information like blood type, which can be crucial in medical emergencies.

The design and security features of modern Russian passports have also evolved. They now include various elements to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized alterations. This modernization reflects broader trends in global passport design, emphasizing security and international compatibility.

Future of Digital Passports

The article also touches on the future of passports in Russia, particularly the move towards digitalization. Digital passports are seen as the next step in the evolution of personal identification. These electronic documents would store personal data in a digital format, potentially offering greater security and convenience. The shift to digital passports aligns with global trends towards electronic identification systems and could transform how personal identification is managed in Russia.

Conclusion Passport Russia

The evolution of the passport in Russia is a reflection of the country’s broader historical and political changes. From the early days of Peter the Great to the digital age, passports have been a crucial tool for administration and control. The modern Russian passport is a sophisticated document designed to meet contemporary needs, while future developments promise even greater advancements in security and convenience.

For a more detailed exploration of this topic, visit the original article on [Parliamentary Newspaper](https://www.pnp.ru/social/kak-menyalsya-pasport-v-rossii.html).

Russian Empress Elisabeth’s passport

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