How to destroy/hammer an RFID chip in a passport
 

I know the best way to destroy an RFID chip in a passport is by hammering, but do I have to put a cloth on the passport before hammering, to protect the passport? And what surface should I hammer on? Is there a way to verify the chip has been disabled?

Also, do Passport Cards or enhanced driver's licenses have an RFID chip?

Thanks!

An alternative is to get a RFID blocking passport case/wallet.

A quick web search will show you a whole bunch.

You realise that intentional damage to the passport [card] is a criminal offence, right?

Proving intent is always a challenge...

//unless of course there's a public posting showing premeditation

I've heard a few seconds in the microwave will take care of the RFID chip. Haven't tried it though.

Hammer Time! :D^

EDIT:
Not a good idea; see link above.

Thanks. The problem with a shielder is it doesn't block transmission when the agent removes the passport.

It might cause a fire, and such burn marks will be left on the passport. And a burned passport smells very bad.

Do Not Damage/Microwave RFID's
 

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First, IF the card SHOWS visible damage it will NOT be accepted as valid!
Second, IF you microwave the card will melt at the "logo" IF there is one and not be Valid or Accepted
Third, Intentional damage to disable an RFID on a Passport Card is criminal.
***It's much simpler to keep covered in a protective sleeve or to wrap in aluminium foil until needed.
This will prevent unwanted reading of card.**

Don't damage your passport. While you will most likely not be criminally prosecuted for it, a hammered passport will show signs of damage/mutilation, therefore rendering it invalid.


Yes, any WHTI-card (passport card, NEXUS card) have chips. EDLs also have an RFID chip (at least the ones issued by Ontario)

If you are really concerned about your privacy (which you have every right to be), consider protecting the cards in their respective RFID-blocking sleeve. Nexus card came with the sleeve. In the case of a passport, you can buy the special case that blocks RFID (I got mine from the SkyMall catalogue in anticipation for the Canadian biometric passport which rolls out next year)

Can Touch This! (to the riff from Shark Tale!)

Considering how easy it is to find videos showing how to hammer an RFID chip, I assume that many CBP officers are aware of these attempts as well. So, if an RFID passport (passport card, EDL, NEXUS, etc) cannot be read with an RFID reader, then it stands to reason that a CBP officer would inspect the document more closely. But then I do not really know how a hammered passport looks like... :rolleyes: Maybe, Firebug will comment?

The day mine arrived in the mail, I put it inside a folded thick piece of paper, set it on the garage floor, and went medieval on it with a big hammer. It doesn't look physically any different than before, and its use while transiting various customs areas has been a non-event.



Wow, I finally found someone that bought something from SkyMall. :eek::p:D

Haha I've bought quite a few things from them actually. My favourite is the Hammacher Schlemmer wake-up clock.

Just curious: How sure/confident are you that this accomplished its intended purpose? Have customs agents remarked that the RFID chip doesn't seem to be working? Or have you actually tried "reading" it yourself?