June 1 RFID Passport

New border crossing regulations are in effect starting June 1. The RFID-enabled passport card is accepted. ...

... "It contains a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which points to a stored record in secure government databases. The card has the same period of validity as the U.S. Passport Book ... " ...

Via Huntington News: New Passport

RFID Border Crossing

Quebec RFID Driver License

Quebec launches its RFID-enabled driver license to improve the Canadian border-crossing experience. ...

... "The Quebec Enhanced Driver License has both a scannable bar code and an embedded electronic chip. The chip transmits a number that gives border agents access to data about the license holder ... " ...

Via The Press Republican: Quebec license

SanYsidro RFID Test

RFID technology is aimed at making the border crossing process more efficient, resulting in shorter wait times. ...

... "San Diego's San Ysidro border crossing is a key test for the devices, known as radio frequency identification readers, because the facility is used by about 150,000 people daily. " ...

Via Yahoo! News: Speedier border crossing

RFID Vicinity Read Process

The passport RFID vicinity read process is discussed in the Federal Register. ...

... "The vicinity RFID electronic chip contains only one item of information--a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure CBP computer system. No other form of personally identifiable information, such as name, date of birth, SSN, place of birth etc., will be electronically stored on the passport card or transmitted through RFID. All personal information will be contained in DHS systems and will only be accessible by authorized personnel through secure networks. Upon receipt of the passport card number, the border crosser's personal information will be downloaded from the CBP system and provided to the CBP officer. The CBP officer will then interview the individual, verify their identities, and determine the appropriate action to take. The WHTI passport card approach was not designed to be an automated system, and the use of vicinity RFID technology in this final rule reflects this reality. Rather, the RFID-based approach allows the CBP officers to do their jobs better and faster. " ...

Via Federal Register: Card Format Passport

ElPaso Texas RFID Border Construction

El Paso, Texas border control begins construction of RFID technology upgrades. ...

... "The upgrade involves the installation of so-called Radio Frequency Identity (RFID) technology that will allow inspectors to quickly identify border crossers using new state-of-the art travel documents. " ...

Via Las Cruces Sun-News: Port upgrade

RFID on International Bridges

RFID technology implementation continues at border crossings where smart-passports will make the process more efficient and secure. ...

... "Radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware will be placed in all vehicle inspection lanes. It lets inspectors read travelers' passport cards ... " ...

Via Brownsville Herald: Border Security

Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates: "This four-lane bridge carries commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and pedestrians. It is 4,024 feet long, with sidewalks on both sides. ... "

Gateway International Bridge

Calexico RFID Monitoring

Thanksgiving holiday is a peak travel period. US Customs are planning for heavy visitor volumes and are providing guidance to travellers. ...

... "U.S. travelers are urged to apply now for their passport card, SENTRI port pass or enhanced driver’s license from participating states, all of which incorporate a new vicinity RFID chip. Special RFID antennas will be installed in the near future at Calexico area ports of entry that will detect the improved documents before vehicles arrive at the port inspection booths ... " ...

Via Imperial Valley: Calexico Area Border

Border Crossing RFID Deployments

U.S. Customs and Border Protection implements its Vehicle Primary Client computer system and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology hardware in the vehicle inspection lanes at the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway crossings. ...

... "These technology enhancements will be incorporated into the ongoing construction of the new port facility at the Blaine Peace Arch crossing. The RFID deployment is part of a national construction initiative at 39 major entry points (354 total traffic lanes) along the U.S borders with Canada and Mexico over the coming months. Vehicle Primary Client, the new 21st Century portal-based system, represents the most substantial upgrade to the primary inspection computer system in 20 years. VPC incorporates the current license plate reader system with the new RFID enabled documentation technology. When completed, CBP officers will be able to quickly verify the validity of travel documents and make determinations regarding the admissibility of persons. " ...

Via U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Blaine Border Crossings

NY RFID Driver Licenses

New York state issues RFID driver license. ...

... "On September 16, 2008, NYS began to issue WHTI-Compliant Enhanced driver licenses (EDL) (includes Enhanced learner permits) and Enhanced non-driver photo ID cards (ENDID) to applicants who can prove U.S. citizenship and NYS residency. An EDL or ENDID can be used instead of a passport at U.S. land and sea border crossings between Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. " ...

Via NYS DMV: Enhanced DMV Photo Documents for U.S. Citizens Who are Residents of NYS

New York RFID License

New York offers RFID-enabled drivers license that will support efficient border crossing. ...

... "The optional license will include a picture and radio frequency identification tag that can be scanned to verify a person's identity. The tag will not contain any personal information - only an assigned number, authorities said. " ...

Via NewsDay: New York driver license

RFID Border Security Deployment

ODIN technologies named a deployment partner for the $62 million Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) contract awarded to Unisys. ...

... "The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contract features radio frequency identification (RFID) combined with License Plate Recognition technology to secure our nation's borders and streamline the border crossing process. This program leverages RFID-enabled identification cards for faster border crossing identity verification. " ...

Via ODIN: Partner for Customs and Border Protection Deployment

WA-State RFID License Border Pilot

Washington will pilot RFID-enabled driver's license for border crossings. ...

... "The alternative license will contain a Radio Frequency Identification chip, commonly known as RFID, which the guard booths will use to scan the license as a traveler or trucker pulls up to the booth. " ...

Via Seattle Post-Intelligencer: RFID Border Pilot

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Washington to launch a pilot program that will enhance the security of state driver's licenses and potentially serve as an acceptable alternative document for crossing the United States' land and sea borders. The Washington pilot program is one possible compliance alternative to Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements. As early as January 2008, U.S. citizens reentering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea, including ferries, may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

The enhanced driver's license will be slightly more expensive than a standard Washington state driver's license and will require proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, as well as contain security features similar to a U.S. passport. "