According to a State Department press release, the department is phasing in the issuance of the new Electronic Passport (e-passport).  As part of a pilot program, on December 30, 2005, the Department of State began the issuance of a limited number of new e-passports.  According to the release, the goal of e-passports is to facilitate international travel for U.S. citizens and enhance border security. 

The passports combine face recognition and contactless chip technology. The chip will hold the same information as the formerly issued passports, which will remain valid until their dates of expiration.

According to the National Journal’s Technology Daily, concerns have been raised over the e-passports capability to protect privacy of personal information. The Department has said that the new passports have an anti-skimming device on the front cover and are equipped with basic access control (BAC) technology to prevent skimming and eavesdropping. Research by the American Civil Liberties Union shows that the cost to produce e-passports will increase from the current rate of $2.40 up to more than $10 each. According to the Department, the rates for first time passport applicants will remain the same this year. The Department of State plans to issue the first full validity e-passport to the American public later in 2006, and will issue e-passports to all domestic passport agencies by the end of the year.