Biometric technologies establish or verify the personal identity of previously enrolled individuals based on biological or behavioural characteristics. Over the past several years the marketplace for biometric-based applications has widened significantly since they are now increasingly being used in multiple public and private sector applications worldwide. Deploying standards-based applications requires a comprehensive set of international, technically sound standards that meet the customer’s needs. Biometric standards promote the availability of multiple sources of compatible products in the marketplace. Major efforts associated with the development of international biometric standards are underway under the ISO/IEC JTC 1 (Joint Technical Committee 1) Subcommittee 37 – “Biometrics” which is responsible for the development of a large portfolio of International biometric standards. Adoption of these standards by large international organizations is addressed. Ongoing standard development efforts in JTC 1/SC 37 as well as related efforts in other standards organizations are discussed.