Information Technology: Data Format for Biometric Information Standard

NIST Publications

Published March 25th, 2026

Detected March 27th, 2026

Summary

NIST has published an updated standard for the interchange of fingerprint, facial, and other biometric information, ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2025. This revision updates the previous 2011 standard with a 2015 update, providing a new data format for biometric data.

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What changed

NIST has released a new version of its standard for biometric data interchange, ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2025, which revises the ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2011 standard (Update 2015). This publication establishes a standardized data format for the interchange of fingerprint, facial, and other biometric information.

Organizations involved in collecting, storing, or exchanging biometric data, particularly in forensic and law enforcement contexts, should review and adopt the updated ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2025 standard to ensure interoperability and compliance with best practices. While NIST standards are generally non-binding, adherence is often expected or required by government agencies and industry partners.

What to do next

Review and adopt the updated ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2025 standard for biometric data interchange.
Ensure systems are compatible with the new data format for fingerprint, facial, and other biometric information.

Source document (simplified)

PUBLICATIONS

Information Technology: Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial and Other Biometric Information ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2025 Revision of ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2011 Update 2015

Published

March 25, 2026

Author(s)

Jennifer Stathakis, Gregory Fiumara, Shahram Orandi, Karen Marshall Citation Special Publication (NIST SP) - 500-290e4 Report Number 500-290e4 NIST Pub Series Special Publication (NIST SP) Pub Type NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.500-290e4 Local Download Standards, Information technology, Forensic Science, Forensic biometrics and Biometrics

Citation

Stathakis, J.
, Fiumara, G.
, Orandi, S.
and Marshall, K.

(2026),
Information Technology: Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial and Other Biometric Information ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2025 Revision of ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2011 Update 2015, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.500-290e4, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=961166       
  (Accessed March 26, 2026)