3M Cogent makes a mark at UK Post Office

The Applicant Enrollment Identification (AEI) service of the United Kingdom Post Office announced that they have processed the biometric data of more than 1.5 million applicants using 3M Cogent’s Biometric Enrollment Stations (CBES).

Using CBES, the biometrics data of applicants such as fingerprints, photographs and electronic signatures, were captured. Data generated by the AEI service is used by: the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and UK Border Agency. Using the AEI service is convenient, because Royal Mail has 750 branches throughout the UK.

3M Cogent Executive Vice President Michael Hollowich said: “The milestone of enrolling one and a half million applicants is indicative of how effective the AEI service is. As a leader in biometric solutions, we strive to provide versatile solutions for government agencies’ needs.”

The services have helped the government minimize cost and time for processing secure documents.

The AEI databank is accessed by DVLA for renewal of drivers’ licenses. The DVLA uses the photographs and e-signatures of drivers obtained from the system. 3M Cogent’s system has helped reduce drivers license processing time by an average of 3.5 to five minutes.

The UK Border Agency also accesses digital signatures, photographs and fingerprints from the AEI database. Applicants coming from outside the European Economic Area, including Swiss nationals, who plan to stay in the UK for more than six months are required to have their biometric information collected.

Through AEI facilities, the Post Office branches record the applicant’s biometric information and send it securely to the UK Border Agency. Once checked and found to be satisfactory, the agency issues the foreign national a biometric residence permit.

Martin Moran, Commercial Director of Post Office Limited, said: “Our long history of delivering essential government services has made a significant contribution to the success of the AEI service and further cements our credentials as a front office for government. The Post Office presents the public with a friendly, familiar, local point of contact and security for their personal data.”

Would you find it convenient to have your fingerprints and photographs taken at local Post Office for, renewal of driver’s licenses or passports?

Article Topics

biometrics  |  border control  |  ePassports  |  fingerprint verification  |  identity verification