ISO 21719-1:2026

Overview

ISO 21719-1:2026 establishes a comprehensive framework for the personalization process of on-board equipment (OBE) used in electronic fee collection (EFC) systems. As part of the ISO 21719 series, this standard addresses the critical need to securely and consistently personalize EFC applications on OBEs, ensuring interoperability across different toll domains and technologies. It is applicable to the interface between personalization equipment (PE) and OBEs, whether interactions utilize dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) or integrated circuit cards.

This document, developed by ISO/TC 204 in collaboration with CEN/TC 278, underpins successful EFC deployments by specifying the essential functions and security mechanisms for the personalization process. The definition of this framework supports standardization within intelligent transportation systems (ITS), enabling service providers to deliver reliable and secure fee collection solutions.

Key Topics

• Personalization Process:

  • Preparation and initialization of OBEs for EFC use
  • Transfer and storage of personalization assets-application keys, application data, and vehicle data

• EFC Personalization Functions:

  • Write operation: Fundamental mechanism for recording user, vehicle, and contract data in OBE
  • Security Features:
    • Access protection to ensure only authorized personalization
    • Application data encryption to safeguard sensitive information
    • Write_Request and Write_Response authenticators for data integrity and verification

• System Architecture:

  • Definition of the relationship and communication structure between PE and OBE
  • Flexibility for use with different communication technologies

• Scope Limitations:

  • The document does not define message structures, test procedures, or institutional roles (such as toll operators or personalization agents); these are addressed in related standards and later parts of the ISO 21719 series

Applications

ISO 21719-1:2026 is vital for organizations developing, deploying, or operating electronic toll collection systems that require secure OBE personalization. Relevant applications include:

• Toll service providers implementing EFC solutions needing interoperability and robust personalization processes across multiple toll domains
• Manufacturers of OBEs and personalization equipment seeking to ensure compliance and compatibility with international standards
• Outsourced personalization agents and third-party providers tasked with secure OBE data management
• Regulatory bodies and system integrators embedding security and privacy by design in EFC systems

This standard facilitates reliable operation and lifecycle management of tolling devices, including initial provisioning of contract and vehicle data, updates, and secure distribution of application keys. It allows for scalable solutions and supports evolving mobility and payment infrastructures on road networks globally.

Related Standards

ISO 21719-1:2026 forms the foundational framework within a broader ecosystem of EFC standards. Key related standards include:

• ISO 17573-2: System architecture for vehicle-related tolling-provides harmonized terminology and references for EFC
• ISO 12813: Compliance check communication for autonomous EFC systems
• ISO 13141: Localization augmentation communication in autonomous toll-collection contexts
• ISO 14906: Application interface definition for DSRC-based EFC
• EN 15509: Interoperability application profile for DSRC EFC systems
• CEN/TR 16152: Personalization and mounting of first-mount OBE

Organizations are encouraged to consult these standards alongside ISO 21719-1 for implementing full-featured and interoperable electronic fee collection solutions.

Keywords: ISO 21719-1, electronic fee collection, EFC, on-board equipment, OBE, personalization, intelligent transport systems, ITS, tolling, standardization, security, interoperability, personalization equipment (PE).