What is a smart card ID?
A smart card includes an embedded computer chip that can be either a microprocessor with internal memory or a memory chip alone. The card connects to a reader with direct physical contact or with a remote contactless electromagnetic interface. With an embedded microprocessor, smart cards have a unique ability to store large amounts of data, carry out their own on-card functions (e.g., encryption and digital signatures) and interact intelligently with a smart card reader. A smart card ID can combine several ID technologies, including the embedded chip, visual security markings, a magnetic stripe, a barcode and/or an optical stripe. Smart cards are used worldwide in financial, telecommunications, transit, healthcare, secure identification and other applications.