MRZ Scanner SDK
Extract data from MRZs on IDs, passports, and more as key-value pairs
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Fast, secure, and easy-to-use MRZ scanning
With the Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK, you can quickly and reliably extract data from machine-readable zones on IDs, passports, and other identity documents. Integrate our MRZ OCR scanning software into your mobile or web application to upgrade from error-prone manual data entry to fast and accurate automatic data extraction.
Our scanning technology extracts all relevant MRZ data fields and returns key-value pairs. This makes it easy to process the captured information in your app. The entire scanning process happens offline on your mobile device, without any external server connections, ensuring complete data security.
Scan and extract MRZs on ID documents
The Scanbot MRZ OCR Scanner SDK supports both two-line (TD3, TD2) and three-line (TD1, MRV-A, MRV-B) standards. Powered by OCR technology, it extracts the following MRZ fields on ID documents:
- Document type code
- Document number
- Surname
- Given names
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Date of issuance
- Date of expiration
- Nationality
- Issuing authority
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MRZ mean?
MRZ, or "machine-readable zone," refers to a standardized section on an identity or travel document that can be read automatically for fast identity verification. 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.
What is an MRZ scanner?
An MRZ scanner is hardware or software designed to scan ID documents with machine-readable zones and extract the information using optical character recognition (OCR). 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.
Interested in how our customers use it? Read the success story of Red Cross Flanders here.
Which country or region is supported?
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.
Do you need a special standard? Contact us!
What should I consider when choosing an MRZ scanning software?
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.
Is the Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK compliant with GDPR and CCPA?
Yes, as a 100% offline solution, the SDK doesn’t need an internet connection. This guarantees that personal data remains secure and on your device, with all necessary data privacy measures upheld.
How do I integrate the Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK into my app?
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.
Which platforms is the Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK currently available for?
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.