MRZ Scanner SDK

The MRZ, or "machine-readable zone," is a standardized section on many identity and travel documents that can be read automatically for fast identity verification. It encodes personal information about the document holder in a layout designed to be easily processed by machines.

An MRZ code is machine-readable data that appears on identity documents such as passports, ID cards, and visas. The MRZ contains personal information about the document holder, including their name, the document number, the expiration date and their nationality. It also includes other 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 backside. On passports, it is located on the bottom of the identification card at the beginning of the booklet. On visas, the MRZ is 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 this happens locally on the device: The SDK operates fully offline, without any connection to a server.

Interested in how our customers use it? Read how Red Cross Flanders cut patient wait times.

MRZ scanners are dramatically faster and more accurate than manual data entry. Reliable MRZ data helps automate business workflows, shortening processing times and minimizing errors.

The Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK is easy to integrate into your mobile or web applications. It can scan MRZ codes both directly with the device camera and on existing document scans.

Software MRZ scanners are more flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient than dedicated hardware. 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, accurately extract data, and deliver it in a format your backend systems can process. To increase your efficiency, it has to meaningfully reduce processing time and human error. 

Here are some of the key considerations:

Performance and accuracy: The scanning solution must be able to read any MRZ code quickly and accurately, even on identity documents that are hard to read. After all, documents are often presented in poor lighting conditions, and may be damaged or dirty.

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

Data privacy: Since MRZ codes include personal data, the scanning software must have measures in place that protect that sensitive information. The Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK does so by operating entirely offline, ensuring full data privacy.

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

Pricing model: The scanner’s pricing should fit your business needs and let you scale without extra costs. Scanbot SDK offers unlimited scanning at a fixed annual fee, so you can use it without worrying about the number of scans, devices, or users. 

No, as a 100% offline solution, the SDK doesn’t need an internet connection. This guarantees that personal data remains secure, and ensures compliance with data privacy regulations.

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 through our free support channels.

The Scanbot MRZ Scanner SDK supports Native Android and iOS development, as well as 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.