MRZ Scanner SDK

MRZ, or "machine-readable zone," refers to a standardized section on a travel or identity document that can be read automatically for fast identity verification. It includes encoded personal information about the document holder, structured to be easily processed by machines.

A passport code can be captured using various mobile scanning solutions. For example, integrating a An MRZ code is a standardized set of alphanumeric characters that appears on identity documents such as passports, ID cards, and visas. The MRZ contains encoded personal information about the document holder, including the document number, the expiration date and their nationality. It also includes document-specific information that varies depending on the type of identification document. 

MRZs use a unique font called OCR-B and standardized formatting. You can easily recognize the MRZ code on your document by looking for the “<” characters used to fill the empty space between the encoded information. On an ID card, you can typically find the MRZ code on the back side of the card. On passports, it is located on the bottom of the identification card at the beginning of your passport booklet. On visas, you can find the MRZ either on the lower half of the front side or on the back, depending on the format.

An MRZ scanner is hardware or software designed to scan ID documents with machine-readable zones and extract the information. 

The Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK enables you to quickly and accurately scan identity documents and extract their data as key-value pairs, all on your own device. It operates fully offline, without any connection to a server. 

Compared to manual data entry, which is slow and error-prone, MRZ scanners offer a faster and more accurate solution. By automating the process, they reduce processing times and minimize errors. 

The Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK can be easily integrated into your mobile or web applications. The codes are scanned by using the device’s camera. By integrating scanning software and promoting a bring-your-own-device approach, you can save on new device investments and ongoing maintenance or replacement costs.

Yes. The Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK supports both two-line (TD3, TD2) and three-line (TD1, MRV-A, MRV-B) standards. This means it can read MRZ codes on ID cards, passports and visas.

An MRZ Scanner SDK should deliver high-quality scans and accurately extract data that can be processed by your backend systems. It should increase your efficiency by reducing processing time and minimizing human errors. 

Here are some important factors to consider:

Performance and accuracy: Make sure the scanning solution is able to quickly and accurately read MRZ codes, even from identity documents that are hard to read or presented in poor lighting conditions.

Compatibility: Look out for software that works seamlessly with your development environment and is compatible with the devices you plan to use, both mobile or desktop.

Data privacy: Since MRZ codes include personal data, it is important that the scanning software has measures in place that protect sensitive information. The Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK operates entirely offline, ensuring full data privacy.

Developer support: Make sure your software provider offers sufficient support for developers to facilitate smooth integration. With Scanbot SDK, you’ll have access to detailed documentation and Slack and Teams channels for direct assistance.

Pricing model: Look for a pricing model that fits your business needs and scales without extra costs. Scanbot SDK offers an unlimited scanning model with a fixed annual fee, so you can use it without worrying about rising expenses. 

No, as a 100% offline solution, the SDK doesn’t need an internet connection. This guarantees that personal data remains secure, with all necessary data privacy measures upheld.

Our MRZ Scanner SDK comes with detailed documentation that takes you through the integration process step by step. The entire integration doesn’t take longer than a few hours. If you need additional support, we are happy to help you with our free support channels.

The Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK supports development for Native Android and iOS, JavaScript (Web), Flutter, React Native, Cordova, Capacitor / Ionic, Xamarin, and .NET MAUI. Try the Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK by downloading the demo app or requesting a free trial license.