Consortium issues Registered Traveler specs

Registered Traveler will require applicants to provide 10 fingerprints, a facial photograph and an optional iris scan, according to a technical specification submitted to the Homeland Security Department by the Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium.

Representatives of more than 60 biometric companies and IT service providers?including Daon Corp., Iridian Technologies Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., Saflink Corp., Unisys Corp., and Verified Identity Pass Inc.?created the 141-page specification, according to a July 21 press release from the consortium.

The specification was prepared for the consortium, composed of airport representatives and the American Association of Airport Executives, which submitted it to the Transportation Security Administration, which sponsors Registered Traveler. TSA previously had said it would issue standards for the program and begin making rules this year.

The technical specification is intended to foster interoperability among vendors and service providers to the Registered Traveler program, which has been tested in Orlando, Fla., and four other airports. It allows frequent travelers to enroll by offering personal information and biometrics. Once they have been screened and issued an identification card, those enrolled are allowed expedited passage through the airport.

TSA said earlier this year that Registered Traveler would be rolled out at 10 to 20 airports this year.