Coalition for a Secure Driver's License Releases "Preventing Fraudulent Passport Applications: Secure Driver's Licenses are Key"

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for a Secure Driver's License (CSDL), a national non-profit crime prevention educational public charity based in Washington, DC, today released a new whitepaper  recommending changes to improve security in the passport issuance process.

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The report explains how the U.S. Passport application process is subject to fraud, examples of the crimes associated with passport fraud, and what can be done to mitigate imposter risk by verifying driver's license data included in applications.

CSDL President Brian Zimmer said, "United States Passports can be a virtual one stop shop for identity thieves and criminals. Our passports are used to gain a wide array of benefits and access to sensitive areas, as well as to travel on airplanes. Like many identity credentials, it is built on the acceptance and validation of source documents, most importantly a driver's license. CSDL's report contains key recommendations that, if implemented by our government, will mitigate those risks."

"Secure Driver's Licenses: the Solution to Fraudulent Passport Applications" recommends that:

• The U.S. Passport Agency needs to establish a secure means to verify the state identification numbers of the driver's licenses or identification cards presented by applicants.
• The U.S. Passport Agency needs to work with the U.S. Postal Service to install photographic image capturing for all applicants, rather than relying on submitted photographs.
• Postal service employees and acceptance agents that process passport applications need focused training about identity authentication and identity fraud prevention.
• The Postal Service needs to verify the authenticity of driver's licenses with electronic scanners that verify security features, as well as capture printed data.

A copy of the report can be found on CSDL's website at www.secure-license.org.

Click here to access the report

SOURCE Coalition for a Secure Driver's License