Modernising Chile’s National ID System
19.7 Million
Population
4 Million
ID cards issued yearly
600
Registration Centers
Chile’s Registry and Identification Service (SRCeI) initiated a crucial project to modernise its national ID system, which had difficulty serving all citizens, especially those in remote areas. In collaboration with Laxton and Idemia, SRCeI introduced advanced biometric solutions to improve accessibility and security in various environments. This modernisation effort enhanced the registration process and established a new standard for efficiency and inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens can access essential public services regardless of their location.
Project
Solution: National ID
Region: Chile
Year: 2024
Overcoming Barriers to Essential Public Services
Chile’s Registry and Identification Service (SRCeI) faced the important task of upgrading its national ID system to keep up with the needs of a digital society. The government issues about 4.8 million ID cards each year, but the system is outdated, and the ID services are not accessible to everyone, particularly for those in remote areas. These limitations created barriers for citizens seeking crucial public services and hampered social inclusion.
Key Goals for Modernisation
To improve service delivery and meet the growing demands of a digital society, SRCeI initiated a project to modernise its national identification system. The main goals were:
Improve the methods for accurately registering individuals.
Improve management of the captured data.
Issue ID cards and passports that meet global security and interoperability standards.
Expand access to identification services, particularly in rural areas and via foreign consulates.
Create portable systems for routine ID requests and emergency post-mortem identifications.
Build a robust system capable of supporting future digital ID services.
Strengthen verification processes to meet international security requirements.
To achieve these objectives, UBOS conducted its first fully digital census in partnership with Laxton.
Customised Biometric ID Solutions
To achieve these objectives, SRCeI partnered with Laxton and Idemia to implement biometric registration and verification solutions. These solutions were designed to function in urban centres and remote regions, even in areas with limited electricity or internet connectivity.
The project used three types of devices to accommodate different operating environments:
The Laxton M was specifically designed for Chilean embassies to minimise power consumption and have a minimal footprint on desks.
The Laxton M has a built-in modem for real-time data transmission in rural areas. This version enables faster registration in regions lacking reliable infrastructure.
The lightweight and rugged Chameleon 8 is for remote regions, allowing mobile teams to reach citizens in even the most challenging terrains.
Laxton M is a modular desktop solutions that allows you to choose from various components to design a biometric registration desktop that matches your specific needs.
Practical Innovations
A unique challenge in this project was designing compact, plug-and-play Laxton M devices that met specific space and operational requirements without compromising functionality. Based on feedback from field tests, Laxton refined the Laxton M to include essential components such as:
A fast, accurate FAP60 fingerprint scanner for reliable biometric identification
An iris camera for enhanced security
A high-resolution camera with a ring light to ensure optimal image capture
An MRZ/RFID document reader for quickly processing machine-readable zones and RFID chips
An integrated power bank ensures functionality even in unstable power supplies
Adaptable Solutions for Diverse Environments
Chile’s varied geography posed logistical challenges, but Chile’s technology proved versatile. The Laxton M desktops are well-suited for urban and embassy environments, while the Chameleon 8 tablets empower mobile registration teams to work effectively in rural areas. With rugged, IP65-rated cases, these tablets can withstand extreme conditions.
Go Anywhere with Chameleon 8
In remote regions where mobility and durability were paramount, the Chameleon 8 tablets offered an ideal solution. Weighing just a few kilograms and housed in rugged, weather-resistant cases, these tablets brought ID registration to citizens in hard-to-reach locations, from the Andes to the southernmost territories, without requiring extensive travel.
Building Sustainability Through Training
To ensure long-term success, Laxton implemented a “train-the-trainer” programme. Over five days, local ” operators” were trained in installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, preparing them to manage the system independently. This approach ensured the system’s smooth and efficient operation long after its deployment.
Team members received hands-on instruction on operating Laxton’s BRKs
Long-Term Support for Future-Ready Solutions
Laxton’s commitment extended beyond the initial rollout. Laxton’s 9.5-year support plan includes regular system upgrades and device renewals. This long-term partnership allows Chile to remain at the forefront of secure identification technologies while adapting to future challenges, including integrating digital ID services.
A Modern, Inclusive Identity System for Chile
By deploying Laxton M desktops and Chameleon 8 tablets, Chile transformed its national ID system into a secure, efficient, and inclusive service for all citizens. Even in harsh environments, the modernised system sets a new standard for identity registration, positioning Chile as a leader in secure, accessible public services. This initiative has enhanced social inclusion and strengthened Chile’s reputation as a global leader in modern identiChile’sn solutions.
