The international community has now been working on delivering the first ePassports for some three years. During that time, standards have been developed in parallel to countries delivering a product, causing some consternation and difficulties. However, the industry and governments have stood strong, developing ISO 19794 standards for biometrics, ICAO standards for ePassports including Passive and Basic Access Control structures. This has been the long awaited boost biometrics has been waiting for to a) raise its profile internationally and b) generate investment interest opportunities that can be realized by universities, research labs and the industry as a whole. This talk will discuss the above in depth with significant reference to large scale projects akin ePassports, EU SIS II, EU BMS, Identity Cards, etc., and their impact on our livelihoods.