Illinois to Introduce New Passport Design to Meet Federal Security Standards
The state of Illinois is gearing up for a major change in the design of its passports in order to meet new federal security standards. The move comes in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement that all state-issued identification cards, including passports, must comply with the Real ID Act by the year 2023.
The Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, sets stringent guidelines for the design and issuance of identification cards in order to enhance security and prevent identity theft. The Act requires that all identification cards include features such as biometric markers, holograms, and digital watermarks to deter counterfeiting and tampering.
In order to comply with the Real ID Act, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office has announced that it will be introducing a new passport design that incorporates these security features. The new design will include a digital watermark that is unique to each passport holder, as well as a biometric chip that stores personal information and can be scanned by border control agents.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our residents, and updating our passport design is just one way that we can achieve that goal,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. “By incorporating these new security features, we are taking proactive measures to protect against identity theft and fraud.”
The rollout of the new passport design is expected to begin in early 2022, with current passport holders being required to apply for a new passport with the updated design. The cost of the new passport is expected to be slightly higher than the current $55 fee, in order to cover the additional security measures.
While the introduction of the new passport design may cause some inconvenience for residents, officials stress that the enhanced security features are necessary in order to comply with federal regulations and ensure the safety of all Illinois residents.
In addition to the updated design, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office will also be implementing new procedures for passport issuance and renewal. These procedures will include more stringent identity verification measures and increased scrutiny of supporting documents, in order to further reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.
The announcement of the new passport design has been met with mixed reactions from Illinois residents. While some are supportive of the enhanced security measures, others have expressed concerns about the potential for increased costs and longer processing times for passport applications.
“I understand the need for increased security, but I hope that the state will work to minimize any inconvenience for residents,” said Anna Johnson, a Chicago resident. “I travel frequently for work, so having a reliable passport is essential for me.”
Overall, the introduction of the new passport design in Illinois is seen as a necessary step in ensuring compliance with federal regulations and enhancing security for residents. By incorporating advanced security features, the state is taking proactive measures to protect against identity theft and fraud, and ensuring that Illinois passports remain a trusted form of identification for years to come.
