Enhance Passport Security: Advanced Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions

• Polycarbonate data pages offer superior durability and tamper resistance compared to paper-based passport data pages.
• Advanced printing techniques—such as intaglio, guilloche patterns, and optically variable inks—reduce the risk of forged passports.
• DOVIDs (Diffractive Optically Variable Image Devices) such as the KINEGRAM are integral to preventing unauthorized alterations and passport fraud.
• Biometric identifiers stored on an electronic chip further strengthen identity checks, linking physical characteristics (e.g., facial images) to the document holder.
• Compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards ensures consistent practices in new passport issuance as well as global interoperability and security.

Polycarbonate data pages are state-of-the-art in contemporary passport technology, and significantly advance passport security. Multiple layers are fused into a solid structure and can securely incorporate advanced security features, making polycarbonate based passports more resistant to tampering and wear and tear from frequent use. It is the substrate of choice when it comes to maximizing the life span of ID documents, easily reaching 10 years and more.

Laser engraving into an internal substrate layer personalizes biographical data, such as the holder's name and photograph or the document number, making unauthorized alterations very difficult. For a comprehensive security architecture, it should be combined with sophisticated security features. DOVIDs play a pivotal role in fortifying polycarbonate based passports against counterfeiting attempts and ensure that the document's integrity and authenticity are upheld.

Each passport contains a number of core elements. High-security printing techniques is one of them. Through specialized security designs, including guilloche patterns, microtext, and optically variable inks, the production of forged passports becomes far more challenging. These methods contribute to the physical passport standing up to scrutiny at border crossing checkpoints. In addition, modern passports also contain:

Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)

The machine-readable zone (MRZ) is crucial to border crossing processes, enabling swift and accurate data verification and extraction. This zone holds standardized information, such as document number and key personal data, which are used by inspection systems worldwide.

RFID Chip Technology

Recognizing the need for standardized security and authentication measures, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) spearheaded efforts to establish global standards for electronic travel documents, including sophisticated physical security features. In 2005, ICAO first introduced Document 9303, outlining specifications for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs), and later approved standards for biometric passports, also known as e-passports. Compliance with ICAO standards ensures that automated systems globally can verify passport holders consistently.

The first ICAO-compliant e-passport including was issued in Belgium in 2004. Since then, biometric identifiers (e.g., facial images, fingerprints, or iris data) have become central to modern electronic passports. Stored on the electronic chip, these unique data points make document counterfeiting and identity theft significantly more difficult.

In the event of chip defects or unsuccessful readings during border inspections, DOVIDs play a critical role in verifying the authenticity of a passport and establishing a traveler’s identity. They allow for reliable and swift authentication through both visual inspection and, in the case of machine-readable DOVIDs such as the KINEGRAM, Optical Machine Authentication.

DOVID Features and the KINEGRAM

The inclusion of Diffractive Optically Variable Image Devices (DOVIDs) such as the KINEGRAM is vital for enhancing the security of identity documents, including advanced biometric e-passports. DOVIDs offer a critical and complementary layer of defense against evolving security threats. Developed and owned by OVD Kinegram, the KINEGRAM is considered a superior type of DOVID based on its sophistication, versatility and security. In use since 1985 until this day and endorsed by over 120 governments worldwide, the KINEGRAM technology is a pioneer and spearhead of document security.

KINEGRAM features combine:

• Superior security: absolute secrecy and commercial unavailability of the technology
• Superior visual appearance: unique optical brilliance and precision that are unmatched by other technologies
• Superior portfolio of effects: huge portfolio of precisely determinable optical security effects that are unattainable by other DOVIDs
• Superior base technology: option to combine different technologies in one single security element, creating a virtually insurmountable barrier to counterfeiters

The KINEGRAM technology allows passport holders and government authorities alike to benefit from highly advanced security against forgery and counterfeiting, protecting them against document fraud and identity crimes. The KINEGRAM forms an exceedingly strong defense for passports, making document issuance more secure and ensuring legitimate travel for passport holders across international borders.

From polycarbonate data pages and advanced printing techniques to DOVIDs and RFID chip technology, modern electronic passports incorporate different technologies to protect against forged passports. Compliance with ICAO standards, along with carefully layered advanced security features, underpins the reliability of the modern passport.

OVD Kinegram’s expertise in DOVID technology makes passport issuance more secure. As threats evolve, so does the KINEGRAM technology, helping citizens and governments to maintain trust in the security of their ID documents.

In securing biometric e-passports, the convergence of technologies, namely an embedded sophisticated KINEGRAM, a chip and robust polycarbonate substrate, forms a virtually unsurmountable defence against counterfeiting. The KINEGRAM presents an ideal solution to the current challenges in protecting identities. It provides a robust shield for citizens’ passports and an obvious choice for governments and institutions worldwide.

What are the main security features of modern passports?

Modern passports feature polycarbonate data pages, machine-readable zones, RFID chips with biometric identifiers, and advanced physical security features such as DOVIDs. These layers deter passport fraud and enhance border security for international travel.

How do DOVIDs enhance passport security?

DOVIDs such as the KINEGRAM are paramount in safeguarding a nation’s e-passports. They provide reliable passport authentication complementary to electronic authentication, efficient photo, MRZ and data protection, and design and technology flexibility and adaptability.

The KINEGRAM maximizes these advantages and stands out among DOVIDs for its exceptional robustness and adaptability, extremely forgery-proof technology combinations that are far out of counterfeiters’ reach, and unique, highly precise visual effects and appearance.

How do biometric passports prevent identity theft?

Biometric passports store facial images or fingerprints on an electronic chip, making counterfeiting extremely difficult. Physical security features such as DOVIDs, combined with highly secure encrypted chips, safeguard personal data from counterfeiting.

What is the role of the machine-readable zone (MRZ) in passports?

The MRZ enables quick, automated data extraction for verifying passport details, such as the document number. It enhances efficiency at border crossings, as each passport with its printed information must align with ICAO standards.

Why is international standards compliance important for passport security?

ICAO compliance ensures consistent security designs and data formats across many countries, simplifying legitimate travel for passport holders. Meeting these standards also streamlines verifications at border crossings worldwide.