Automated Authentication of Current Identity Documents
Theodore Kuklinski · 2004
Much has been said about the difficulties in screening persons for possible identity fraud or security concerns based upon use of current driver's licenses or passports. The most often reasons given are the lack of standardization of security features and the layout for these documents. This criticism is focused on the inability of even a trained person to recognize valid documents and the specific parameters for each of these documents. In this paper, the focus is on the value of machine screening of the identity documents in circulation. The distinction is between human screening and the power of machine processing. The diversity of the identity documents and the issuer's attempts to exert their own unique identity for their documents is actually a benefit to machine screening. The rich variety of specific layout and production characteristics provide many examination points for evaluation. The processing power, storage capacity, and imaging options, only recently available at a reasonable price point, make real-time examination of all of the unique properties and a subsequent risk analysis of the results a practical approach. One of the most visible changes in society today is the need to present identity documents (ID's) in many more situations. A key objective in improving public security is the interdiction of individuals using counterfeit or stolen ID's to cross borders, use public transportation, open bank accounts, or enter facilities. However, security personnel are presented with an overwhelming number of identity documents and have only seconds to examine them, verify their authenticity, and approve the presenter. New generation reader/authenticator/validator (RAV) technology can assist in the ID screening process for the wide variety of existing identity documents such as passports and drivers licenses. Such devices can read the information on the ID, authenticate the ID, and provide a security risk analysis. Acting as an inspector's automated assistant, their use permits an inspector to focus on evaluating the behavior of the presenter while the reader handles the detailed analysis of the document. A much more thorough ID inspection is possible, checking for many more security features, some of which are not accessible to the inspector without special equipment. More ID presenters can be processed faster with fewer inspectors at lower overall cost and with higher security confidence.