What data or information is stored on the RFID chip in my US electronic passport (e-passport)?

Question

Since the Passport Card doesn't store personal data, I figured I should find out just what the actual passport does store. I believe it is just all the things on the data page, but I would like to see if someone knows all the details. Thanks!

Answer 1

An Electronic Passport is the same as a traditional passport with the addition of a small integrated circuit (or “chip”) embedded in the back cover.  The chip stores:

    * The same data visually displayed on the data page of the passport;

    * A biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photograph, which will facilitate the use of face recognition technology at ports-of-entry;

    * The unique chip identification number; and

    * A digital signature to protect the stored data from alteration.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/eppt/ep...

The U.S. Electronic Passport uses the digital image of the passport photograph as the biometric identifier that is used with face recognition technology to verify the identity of the passport bearer.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/eppt/ep...

The special features of an Electronic Passport are:

    * Securely stored biographical information and digital image that are identical to the information that is visually displayed in the passport;

    * Contactless chip technology that allows the information stored in an Electronic Passport to be read by special chip readers at a close distance.

    * Uses digital signature technology to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip.  This technology is commonly used in credit cards and other secure documents using integrated circuits or chips.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/eppt/ep...