DMV to use face recognition technology statewide
The state Department of Motor Vehicles plans to begin using face recognition technology statewide by the end of October to help ward off license fraud.
"The feds are finding that our licenses here in New York state are not being altered at the rate of other states," DMV Commissioner David J. Swarts said Tuesday. "Our process is secure, but there are people beating us. ... This will reduce the number of people that beat us."
The state began using the technology last year as a pilot program that was run at DMV offices from Syracuse to Albany, he said.
The technology maps applicants' facial features and compares the data points with archived pictures of the state's drivers. Photos that do not match the applicant's information are flagged.
"We'll make this available throughout the state in a short time, but there is already work being done behind the scenes," he said.
The commissioner said that roughly 1.1 million photos have already been inserted into the database using the technology.
Critics have skewered similar technology being used in other states because forms of the software mandate that applicants not smilewhile their photo is taken.
New York's version of the software will allow applicants to flash a grin if they choose, Mr. Swarts said.
The state recently inked a $2.2 million contract with L-1 Identity Solutions Inc., Samford, Conn., to provide the technology. The Ministry of Transportation Ontario also signed a deal with L-1 last month for similar software, according to a company news release.
Roughly 11.2 million driver's and two million non-driver's licenses are issued in the state, Mr. Swarts said.
"Our ultimate goal is to make sure that each driver is issued only one license," he said.
The commissioner is in Alexandria Bay today attending a New York State Association of Counties conference where he plans to discuss, among other topics, the state enhanced driver's license.
The commissioner said that roughly 110,000 New Yorkers have been issued the licenses, which are now accepted to enter the United States by land and sea from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. International air passengers still need a passport to enter the country.
A list of acceptable documents that can be used as proof of identification can be found on the DMV's Web site at www.nysdmv.com.
The enhanced IDs contain a radio frequency identification chip that broadcasts specific information to border control personnel. Personal information is not stored on the chip.
New Yorkers who are U.S. citizens may acquire an EDL at any DMV office. Proof of citizenship is required. The new license will cost $30 more than a current license and will be available in all formats — commercial, motorcycle, Class D and non-driver identification card. License prices range from $52.50 to $85 depending upon the applicant's age and license class. A U.S. passport currently costs $100.
The EDL will be valid for up to eight years, the same period as a current driver's license.
