Muehlbauer systems personalize Portuguese identity cards

The Muehlbauer technology group has announced its involvement in the personalization of the Portuguese identity card (‘Carto de Cidado’). The Portuguese national printing agency INCM (Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda) ordered card personalization machines of the SCP 5600 line from Muehlbauer for the Portuguese ID project in September 2006. Issuing of the high secure ID documents started February 14, 2007.

The Muehlbauer personalization systems for high volume production requirements personalize the Portuguese identity cards by applying the unique, personal data of the owner. This is done optically, by laser engraving, and electronically, by encoding the chip in the card. The Portuguese identity card will replace not only the existing identification document, but also the social security card, the national health service user’s card, the taxpayer card and voter’s card. It also offers a safe electronic identification, as well as authentication at transactions in connection with the modernization and simplification of the public administration of Portugal. According to plans of the Portuguese authorities, about two million cards should be issued annually.

Muehlbauer equipment is already used for the production of the Portuguese ePassport, which has been issued to the population since the end of August 2006. Josef Muehlbauer, CEO of Muehlbauer AG, said: ‘The repeated selection for the implementation of a national ID project in Portugal points out the customer’s confidence in Muehlbauer This emphasizes our basic understanding to support our customer as technology supplier, partners and advisors on a long-term basis.’

Muehlbauer has many years of experience in technologically innovative security solutions and benefits from the experience of more than 50 ID projects in the past. The company is the partner of many authorities and governments realizing identity card and electronic passport projects and meets the standards of the highest authorities.