This authentication - usually referred to as ePassport validation-is the process of validating the authenticity and integrity of an ePassport by verifying the digital signature on the chip.įor the border control of a receiving State to authenticate the ePassport of a foreign traveler, the receiving State must have access to certain information from the issuing State.
If the chip is not authenticated at border control, the ePassport has little advantage over a traditional, non-electronic passport. However, those benefits can only be realized when border control authenticates the chip. The ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) is a central repository for exchanging the information required to authenticate electronic Machine Readable Travel Documents (eMRTDs) such as ePassports, electronic ID cards and Visible Digital Seals.ĮPassports play a particular crucial role as the principle identity document used in intenrnational travel. The security and facilitation advantages of ePassports are grounded in the presence of an integrated closed circuit chip.
