How does passport scanning work?
ID scanning uses a camera or an auto-focus laser to instantly read data stored in the symbology of an passport. This data is turned into a raw text string where it can be examined and parsed into software systems.
Does passport scanning use OCR?
Some passport scanning applications attempt to ingest data on the front of the passport using optical character recognition (OCR), however reading the data stored in the machine readable zone results in far greater accuracy and faster scan time.
What type of camera is needed for passport scanning?
It is recommended that you use a camera that is at least 5 Megapixels or higher. Most mobile phone camera exceed the required standard.
Are there differences between scanning an ID and a passport?
There are several small differences. The barcode is on the back of an ID, so it will need to be flipped over, while the MRZ is exposed directly under the text on the first page of the passport. Passport MRZs also store quite a bit less data.
What is the difference between passport scanning and passport parsing?
The passport scanning SDK will essentially turn a mobile device into a scanning device. It is ideal for use cases where specialty scanning hardware cannot be used and users will be scanning passports with their phone or tablet. Passport parsing takes the information captured in the passport scan and turns it into digestible data that can be used in form fields or a database.
Which types of passports can you scan?
Our technology is capable of scanning all global passports and passport cards. Any document with a machine readable zone (MRZ) can be scanned. We also are compatible with a limited number of non-barcode documents.
View our compatible document library →
