Besides the concept of ID systems and distribution of secure documents, the unique personalisation of these documents is a vital component. In the personalisation process, the document is personalised for the individual citizen. Personalisation is achieved graphically by printing or engraving the person data and photogram on the document or by electrical personalisation, where the smartchip in the document is loaded with the citizen’s data and initialised for various applications. The personalisation of ID document also requires access to a public key infrastructure to obtain digital signatures for security purposes or generate digital certificates or keys for use in authentication systems. As more and more traditional ID documents are linked to a digital identity with the smartchip and security applications, a smarter and safer link to the digital world becomes possible.

The personalisation process is security-sensitive and requires a specific, secure environment and organisation in order to ensure all documents are personalized accurately and no impersonalised document is lost or misused. The process also initializes certain security features linked to the documents and the person. Various technologies are available to print citizen information on IDs which range from inkjet, thermos transfer to dye-sublimation as well as laser engraving which has become increasingly popular. There are different print techniques and machines in the market capable of handling color or black-and- white photographs or images. Whatever the technology opted, a personalisation operation requires 100% quality control. It must be ensured that all documents are defect-free in the document body or personalisation, as well that all data is accurate and in accordance with the personalisation request.

Additionally, the process is interfaced to the ID systems and databases which receives document personalisation requests. Depending on the production chain covered by the personalisation, the document delivery is linked to distribution and delivery tracking systems. During the process, the systems and personalisation machines are connected to Hardware Security Modules (HSM) which perform the security-relevant steps for smartchips and public key infrastructures.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has issued general guidelines for the document personalisation processes and TRUSTFELLOWS offers the full range of services to guide national issuing authorities or service providers to implement or upgrade personalisation systems and environments. We help our clients adopt the right personalisation technology for their specific business case and use. Our specialists at TRUSTFELLOWS have gained over the last 20 years, a comprehensive technology overview and network for personalisation technologies. Our expert services range from technology consulting, tenders and evaluations, implementation and ramp-up to an operational nominal personalisation. TRUSTFELLOWS also implements the operational processes for the entire personalisation chain and work description to allow a smooth implementation and operation in compliance with international practices.

Components for personalisation system: