L-1 to build Montana driver's licensing system

L-1 Identity Solutions Inc. has won an $11 million contract from the Montana Justice Department to develop a digital driver's license issuance and identification card system for the state Motor Vehicle Division.

The seven-year deal calls for L-1 of Stamford, Conn., to create a statewide licensing system that incorporates multiple identity processes to ensure that each applicant receives a secure and unique driver's license or state ID.

Montana expects to produce more than 1.3 million secure credentials over the life of the contract.

Viisage Secure Credentialing, a division of L-1, will build the solution, which includes increased security controls to reduce fraud and ensure that each driver has one identity record and one driver's license.

Facial recognition and document authentication will assist in identifying duplicate records and fraudulent identity documents. The L-1 face recognition application system is used by 12 other North American driver's license jurisdictions.

The new statewide driver's license system will incorporate several previously unlinked activities, including digital driver license and ID card production, image-based facial recognition services, and automated authentication of applicants' identity documents. L-1 also will provide MVD with a secure inventory management system.

Whenever an applicant applies for a driver's license, L-1's automated ID-Suite will authenticate and verify all pertinent documents. It provides the state with a tool to help determine if applicants have valid identity documents and demographic data.

Through the contract, Montana will also receive AutoTest, AutoTest Scheduler and RoadTest, L-1 programs that provides automated scheduling, driver knowledge and road skills testing that reduces paperwork, increases productivity and helps safeguard each applicant's identity.