IdScanly / MRZ Scanner
MRZ scanner API for machine-readable document data
Extract available machine-readable zone information from supported identity-document images. IdScanly reads MRZ data, validates checksum digits and combines available information with its wider document OCR results.
Use machine-readable fields as part of a structured document record for registration, travel and customer onboarding.
Synthetic data — an illustration of extraction, for review.
DEMO<<EXAMPLE<<0000
000000<<000000<<00- Name
- Alex Example
- Document number
- DEMO-0001
- Checksum
- Data consistency
What is the machine-readable zone?
The machine-readable zone, or MRZ, is a block of characters on many passports and other travel or identity documents. It represents selected document and holder details in a format intended for machine reading.
An MRZ scanner API reads that area from an image and makes available information usable by your software. IdScanly includes MRZ reading within its document-data extraction workflow.
Information available from an MRZ
Depending on the document format, available information can include:
- Document type and issuing country.
- Holder name components.
- Document number.
- Nationality.
- Date of birth.
- Sex.
- Expiry date.
- Format-dependent additional data and checksum results.
An MRZ represents selected fields. Additional information printed elsewhere on the document may require visible-text OCR.
What checksum validation tells you
MRZ formats use check digits to assess the consistency of selected encoded information. A failed check can indicate that a reading or the encoded data needs further attention.
IdScanly validates available checksum digits as part of its MRZ workflow. Your application can consider those results when deciding whether to request another image or send a record for review.
A passing checksum establishes a limited form of data consistency. It does not independently prove that the document is genuine, current or held by the person submitting it.
Combine the MRZ with visible document information
The visible document and its MRZ can present information differently. Names may be represented differently, and some visible fields are absent from the machine-readable area.
IdScanly brings available OCR, MRZ and supported barcode information into the document-processing workflow. This helps your application work with a broader document result instead of depending on a single region alone.
For document-specific information, explore passport OCR and ID card OCR.
Help resolve difficult document images
Glare, blur or a cropped document edge can make machine-readable characters hard to read. Supported capture feedback can help your interface request an appropriate correction.
If the user takes another photo of the same document, add it to the existing session. Readable information from different views can contribute to the merged result.
Use MRZ data in the wider workflow
Machine-readable information can help prepare identity fields for guest registration, travel-related records and customer applications. Your software controls how those fields are confirmed and used.
See passport scanning for hotels and document OCR for customer onboarding.
MRZ scanner questions
Is an MRZ scanner the same as full-document OCR?
MRZ scanning reads the machine-readable area. Full-document OCR can also read supported information printed elsewhere. IdScanly includes both sources within its document-reading workflow.
Does checksum validation verify identity?
No. It checks aspects of the encoded data's consistency. Identity proofing and authenticity assessment require separate evidence and capabilities.
Can a document have useful OCR results without a readable MRZ?
Supported visible fields may still be available. Whether that result is sufficient depends on the information your application requires.
Which MRZ document formats are supported?
Contact us with the document types, countries and versions you need. Evaluate representative examples before relying on a particular format in production.
Can I process multiple photos of the same document?
Yes. Keep its photos and retakes in the same session so available information can contribute to one result.
Discuss your machine-readable document requirements
Tell us which documents your users submit and which fields your workflow needs. Review the extraction result and checksum information alongside your own confirmation requirements.