What is NFC?

Certain types of ID documents — most commonly including passports, but also identity cards and driver’s licenses in some jurisdictions — have an embedded NFC chip. This chip contains information like the ID holder’s name, date of birth, country or place of birth, date of issuance, expiration date, a photo, and potentially other data depending on the jurisdiction. 

The information contained within an ID’s embedded NFC chip can be useful in the identity verification process, and can be cross-referenced against the information that is physically written on the document in order to detect forged, altered, or stolen documents. This adds an extra layer of security to the passport verification process, making it possible for businesses to achieve greater assurance that a person actually is who they say they are.

NFC (near-field communication) is most commonly used for contactless data transfer and secure digital interactions. Because NFC chips work at very close range, they enable quick, low-friction communication between devices without requiring manual pairing. This makes NFC especially useful in everyday consumer transactions and identity applications.

The most common uses of NFC include:

• Contactless payments: Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay rely on NFC for secure in-store transactions.

• Identity verification: Passports, ID cards, and mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) often use NFC chips to store personal and facial data.

• Public transit access: Tap-and-go metro cards and bus passes frequently use NFC for fast, secure access.

• Smart access control: Office badges, hotel key cards, and electronic locks often use NFC chips.

• Smart posters and product labels: NFC tags embedded in posters or packaging can launch websites, apps, or product details with a single tap.

• Peer-to-peer sharing: Transferring files, contacts, or media between devices.

NFC applications became popular thanks to the rise of mobile payments and digital identity systems. As smartphones became standard consumer devices, manufacturers like Apple and Samsung built NFC chips into their devices, making tap-to-pay and digital authentication simple and secure.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated NFC adoption by encouraging contactless transactions in retail, healthcare, and travel. Governments and enterprises also expanded the use of NFC for passport verification, secure access, and mobile identity documents, reinforcing its role as a trusted technology.

An NFC tag is a small, wireless data storage chip that can communicate with nearby NFC-enabled devices when brought within close range. These tags are typically embedded in stickers, cards, wristbands, or documents, and they operate without a battery by drawing power from the NFC reader’s electromagnetic field.

NFC tags are widely used for contactless payments, access badges, product authentication, and marketing campaigns, as well as in identity verification documents like passports and ID cards.

NFC tags are made up of a few simple but critical components that allow them to communicate wirelessly with NFC-enabled devices. Together, these components enable data storage, secure transfer, and authentication.

The main components of an NFC tag include:

• Integrated circuit (IC): The chip that stores data and manages communication.

• Antenna: A thin coil that enables the tag to exchange signals with an NFC reader.

• Substrate: The material (often plastic, paper, or PET) that holds the chip and antenna together.

• Optional protective layer: A cover to shield the tag from damage or tampering.

There are several types of NFC tags, each designed for different levels of storage, security, and use cases. The NFC Forum classifies tags into categories based on functionality and compatibility with NFC-enabled devices.

The main types of NFC tags include:

• Type 1: Simple, low-cost tags with limited storage; commonly used for posters or marketing campaigns.

• Type 2: Widely adopted, low-cost tags with higher storage; often used in retail or event ticketing.

• Type 3: More advanced tags with larger memory, used for complex applications like transit systems.

• Type 4: High-security tags with fast read/write speeds, suitable for payments and identity verification (e.g., passports).

• Type 5: The latest standard with a greater range and compatibility with IoT applications.

Persona uses NFC technology to help organizations securely verify documents like passports, mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs), and identity cards. When a user taps their NFC-enabled document against a device, Persona can read the embedded chip data — such as name, date of birth, and other device identifiers — and compare it against the visible information on the document.

By combining NFC document verification with other advanced identity verification technologies like mDL and issuing database verification, Persona enables businesses to confirm identities with high assurance and minimal friction. This helps prevent fraud while delivering a smoother user experience.

NFC-based document verification is more secure because the data stored in an NFC chip is digitally signed and tamper-resistant. Unlike printed text or photos on an ID, chip data cannot be easily forged, making it a reliable source of truth for identity verification. This is why many governments embed NFC chips in passports and IDs.

For example, NFC e-passport verification ensures that border control agents and businesses can authenticate travelers against official government-issued data, reducing the risk of fraud.

In addition, NFC adds an extra layer of trust and safety by allowing businesses to confirm that the physical document matches the digital information inside the chip. This reduces risks of counterfeit IDs, identity theft, and fraudulent onboarding.