New passport will have additional security features

Plans to introduce a biometric fingerprint in addition to facial image

Additional security features and fingerprint for new passport

A new UK passport with several enhanced security features will be issued from October this year.

The passport aims to provide better protection from identity theft and fraud, according to a release on the Home Office web site. The chip that stores the passport holder’s details has been moved to the inside of the passport where it is not visible, giving additional physical protection as well as making it much harder to replace without being spotted.

In addition, a secondary image of the passport holder will be printed on the observations page, and a new transparent covering will include several holograms to protect the holder’s personal details.

Sarah Rapson, chief executive of the Identity and Passport Service, said: " The new design will help the UK stay ahead of criminals who look to fraudulently alter or copy passports."

Commercial security printer and papermaker De La Rue won a £400m contract for the provision of the passport in June 2009, and has added these features to the new passport at no extra cost, according to the Home Office. The contract will run for 10 years.

The government plans to introduce a fingerprint onto the chip, which will be in addition to a facial image. This move is despite the fact that the coalition dropped the Labour government’s plans to create capacity for extensive personal details to be stored on the passport.