personal identification numbers

[angliholic]

Banks use personal identification numbers, safety deposit boxes, insurance and other measures to help keep money safe.


I wonder if I could say "personal identity numbers" instead of the underlined part. If not, why not? Thanks.

[Anglika]

No - because the PIN is the number that identifies you in the bank records.

[angliholic]

Thanks, Anglika.
But I still don't get it because I can't tell apart the semantic differences of identity and identification. Would you decribe in a few words of their basic differences? Thanks.

[Anglika]

An identity = the distinguishing character or personality of an individual

identification = the act of being identified.