Did you know that there is a tiny microchip inside of your passport? Yes, really! The microchip has many helpful features, including working to help protect you against identity theft if your passport gets stolen. Curious to learn more? In this blog, we will share everything you need to know about these chips, including what they are, what they’re used for, and how they keep your information safe.
What Are RFID Chips?
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips are microchips that store important information securely. They have been utilized in different products worldwide for many years, including in passports. Their main purpose is to securely store information and help protect you from threats such as identity theft. The chip is so small that you probably wouldn’t even know it’s inside your passport.
Why is There a Chip in My Passport?
Believe it or not, there are actually numerous high-tech security features in your passport, including an RFID microchip. RFID microchips have been embedded inside all passports issued since 2007 and securely store your personal information. They are very useful, and can provide protection for you in the chance that your passport gets lost or stolen. For example, if someone tries to change the picture or name on your passport, a customs agent will still be able to scan the passport and see that the information doesn’t match up.
What Exactly is the Microchip Used For?
The microchip in your passport stores the personal contact information found on the photo page of your passport. It also stores a digital version of your passport photo and a digital security certificate. It is there to help prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft. If someone steals your passport and tries to change the picture or name on it, a customs agent will be able to scan your passport and see that the person trying to use your passport isn’t you.
Is the Microchip Found in My Passport Secure?
The microchip in your passport is very secure. Passports have multiple layers of security, which makes it very difficult for people to steal the information embedded in it. If for some reason someone does gain access to your passport and scans your microchip, they will not be able to access other sensitive information about you such as your FBI file or tax returns. This type of information is not stored on your passport’s microchip.
Where Else Are RFID Chips Used?
RFID chips are commonly used around the world. Some of the items you will frequently see RFID chips in are hotel keys, student ID cards, company ID cards, retail store anti-theft tags, pet identification chips, public transportation tickets, and more. You may also find these chips inside of credit cards and debit cards. More companies are starting to incorporate RFID chips inside their products, so you may start to hear about them more often.
How Can I Check if My Passport’s Chip is Damaged?
There are a few ways that you can check to see if the chip inside your passport is damaged. The first thing that you can do is visit a passport office. Many passport offices have RFID readers that can scan your passport and see if your chip is still intact. Another way that you can tell if your passport’s chip is damaged is by looking at your passport. If your passport was exposed to extreme heat, has water damage, or is torn up, there’s a good chance that your passport’s chip is damaged and will need to be replaced.
How Can I Obtain a Passport For My Trip?
Since 2008, Swift Passport and Visa Services has been the go-to choice for busy travelers needing expedited passports and visas. Swift has some of the highest customer ratings and reviews in the industry, and with a network of partnerships nationwide, Swift Passport Services can reach clients in all 50 states. Swift is authorized by the US Department of State and has access to all foreign consulates nationwide in six major cities.
If you’re looking to obtain an expedited passport or visa or have any further questions or concerns about the RFID chip in your passport, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you. No matter where you’re going in the world, we’ll get you there!
4 thoughts on “Things You May Not Know About the Microchip in Your Passport”
very little they could do with? ever heard of identity theft? i doubt the passport covers can prevent reading by a powerful rfid scanner. in fact they should’ve put aluminum foil in the passport covers to make it rfid protected and not just assume the plastic would protect it cos it probably doesn’t. so yeah they made people a whole lot less secure with this stunt.
I just moved and it seems my passport is missed placed. Can I buy a rfid detector to try and find it?
Yes should work. You can boost the range on an NFC phone by simply using a piece of Sellotape coated with pyrolytic graphite: a good source is old phone screens and Iphone thermal pads. Should look like a matt black covering when done.
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