Smart passports waiting for approval
UK: Enhanced documents could be ready for use in 2005
New “smart” passports, fitted with a special microchip that can identify its owner, could be in use by 2005.
The new passport, which will allow immigration officials to check facial measurements, regarded by many as the most reliable form of identification, could be approved next Spring and could be in use by early 2005.
According to a report in The Independent, the Passport Service is also planning to introduce “passport cards”, resembling credit cards, which could incorporate iris scan and fingerprint capabilities, as well as a digital copy of the holder’s signature and personal details.
The newspaper also reports that the Passport Service is suggesting that the cost of a five-year document should be increased from £33 to £52 in 2006.
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