How to apply for an E-passport in Washington, DC
As the word E in the name suggests it has to do something with the electronics and the software. The E-passport is same as the ordinary passport except it has an electronic chip confined to the specific customer.
The E chip stores all the data about the customer that is visible in the passport. It also stores the digital photograph of the user. The digital photograph acts as a biometric identifier while each chip has an unique identification number and the digital signature, this adds to the security while crossing borders and also preventing from frauds related to the passports.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/eppt/eppt_2498.html
