Free Shipping | Best Selection | Lifetime Support

Spring back and save up to $150 through May 28th $25 off orders $250+ with code SPRINGBACK25 | $75 off orders $500+ with code SPRINGBACK75 | $150 off orders $1,000+ with code SPRINGBACK150

Need Help Finding What You Need?

Get fast answers from an ID expert

GET HELPLET US HELP

Biometric Passports

Biometric Passports

Biometric Passports

ID System Selector  Find the right ID System for you with just a few clicks.GO
Printer Selector  Find the right ID System for you with just a few clicks.GO

Supply Finder
QUICK TOOL

GO
$%0 Off Custom Lanyards
Get up to $400 Back WHEN YOU TRADE IN AN OLD PRINTER See Full Details

Biometric Passports

Plastic ID Cards

Biometric Passports

For the last two years, the UK Passport Service has been including various new procedures and systems to prevent identity fraud and passport fraud. In 2006, the UK has implemented biometric passports. The first facial biometric passports are scheduled to come in out in October of this year. Full production will be rolled out between February and July 2006.


The idea behind the new design is simple, to make passports harder to counterfeit and to confirm the identity of an individual. The facial biometric is taken from an applicant provided photograph, so anyone applying for a passport should bring a clear high quality photo of themselves. The facial biometrics works by mapping various features on a persons face like the distance between their eyes nose and mouth. These measurements are then digitally coded and stored on an electronic chip secured in the passport page.


In 2008, the UK passport service intends to add fingerprint identification to it’s passport system. Facial biometrics were introduced first, because of the easy implementation and minimal change required to the existing application process, especially the image capture or photo booths. In addition to facial biometrics, the chip in the UK passport stores the holder’s signature and all the personal details printed on the bio page.


Externally the new biometric passports look almost identical to their digital forerunners. They are sill readable by the same readers currently in operation in the UK. Advance digital encryption will protect the new chip from any unauthorized reading or skimming of information.


The UK is one of the first countries to implement a biometric passport system which conforms to the standards set by the Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO – which sets international standards). Current digital UK passport holders will not need to apply for a new biometric passport until their current one expires. In the change over period, both types, digital and biometric passports will be recognized internationally.

Not sure how to choose
an ID card printer?

  1. Approximately how many cards
    will you print per year?
  1. Do you need to automatically
    print on both sides of the card?
  1. Do you need a magnetic stripe?
Buyer's Guide to ID Card Printers

The Complete Card
Printer Buyer's Guide

With such a wide range of ID printers, evaluating the options can be overwhelming. This FREE 7-step guide will walk you through choosing the perfect card printer.

Get Help from an ID Expert

How many ID cards do you want to print per year?

Get Recommendations
or call