MRZ Code

A check digit is a single digit taken from other other digits in a sequence to ensure accuracy. In the context of the MRZ, check digits are calculated for specific numerical data elements, allowing readers to verify that the information has been correctly processed. This serves as a tool to detect potential fraud, confirming that the data in the MRZ zone is read correctly and that the document isn’t forged. 

The MRZ code was first introduced to the public as part of the machine-readable passport (MRP), which was invented in the 1980s and developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). At that time, it consisted of two lines of code, but it had the same goal: to make the identity verification and authentication process easier and more efficient, just focusing on airports and international travel. 

To this day, the MRZ code is an important advancement that enabled a more automated identity verification process and transformed how businesses verify identities. 

Yes. If a business is thinking of adopting an identity verification software, its team needs to ensure that the solution is powered by OCR technology that is able to effectively read different MRZ information. 

In general, the MRZ types are  standardized by the ICAO:

• Type 1. Used for documents like driver’s licenses and ID cards, with three lines of MRZ code, containing 30 characters.
• Type 2. Used for travel documents, which contain two lines of MRZ code, with 30 characters in each.
• Type 3. Used for other, larger documents, such as passport booklets, with two lines, containing 44 characters.

To capture, read, and verify data, or the MRZ code, optical character recognition (OCR) technology is used. This advancement is used to verify the document’s legitimacy and the holder’s identity. OCR technology is able to recognize the unique font in the MRZ and convert the characters into digital text. Companies today use specialized OCR software that’s tailored to recognize different documents and MRZ codes used during the identity verification process. 

Most passports have electronic chips used as data pieces for MRZ code cross-checking.  These chips hold digital versions of the person’s personal details found in the MRZ. So, when a passport is scanned, the MRZ code is read and cross-checked with the chip’s data. If both data pieces match, the process is successful, and the passport holder’s identity is confirmed.

The main reason why companies use automated ID verification solutions, which are powered by advanced OCR technology is that they can fastly scan various goal documents and approve user identities faster, converting users from different markets and complying with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. 

MRZ codes follow a standardized format, allowing them to be used across different countries and industries, which makes it a convenient way to securely verify user identities. The standardization of MRZ codes eliminates the need for expensive custom solutions, allowing global businesses to scale faster, no matter the industry.