Government ID, Smart Cards, Identification and Authentication

L-1 signs contracts, extensions for driver license issuance

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

L-1 Identity Solutions Inc. was awarded contracts and contract extensions from Delaware, Louisiana, Tennessee, Indiana and a state to be named at a later date, to continue providing secure driver’s license solutions, bringing the total value of these contracts to $27.6 million. Extension options in the yet-to-be-named state would add an additional $16 million.

A seven-year contract with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles includes a new tamper evident card with various security features from L-1 embedded in the card to make counterfeiting more difficult. The new system will integrate L-1’s document authentication solution into the state’s process. Additionally, facial recognition technology from L-1 will enable a comparison of a customer’s photo against the DMV’s database of photos to detect fraud.


A four-year contract signed with a state to be named at a later date includes a new card design that incorporates additional security features and equipment upgrades for new signature pads, image cameras for photo capture, and printers from L-1. The contract enabling L-1 to continue providing secure driver’s license solutions to this state includes the option for two two-year extensions that would add an additional $16 million. The state will remain unnamed until implementation is complete.

L-1 secured a contract extension with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to continue secure driver’s license production and vehicle registrations. L-1 has provided solutions to the Louisiana department for more than three decades. The Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles also extended its driver’s license solution contract with L-1.

Indiana recently received federal funding for secure issuance of driver’s licenses. The state will continue to work with L-1 to apply these funds toward fully implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and the federal regulations regarding identification documents. [end] 

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The new company, which was formed after the acquisition of three divisions and the headquarters of former biometrics developer L-1 Identity Solutions, will serve as an identity solutions provider dedicated to the U.S. market only.

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With many states requiring voter ID cards, and if you’re a student, proof of enrollment, some colleges are offering students free cards that will enable them to vote.

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