Document scanner

Scan travel documents using OCR technology

Contents

Overview

The Document Scanner uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to read the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) from passports, ID cards, and other travel documents. This is ideal for documents without NFC chips or when NFC reading is not available.

Camera-Based

  • No NFC required
  • Works with any document with MRZ
  • Quick scanning
  • Automatic detection

Supported Documents

  • Passports (all countries)
  • ID cards with MRZ
  • Visas
  • Residence permits

How to Use

Document Scanner Screen

Document Scanner Interface

The Document Scanner shows examples of MRZ formats and provides clear instructions for positioning documents.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Open Document Scanner

From the home screen, tap on "Document scanner"

Step 2 Start Scanning

Tap the "Scan" button to open the camera interface

Step 3 Camera Setup

Use the main camera (rear camera) - not the front-facing camera. Position the document's MRZ in the camera frame.

Step 4 Automatic Detection

The app will automatically detect and read the MRZ. Keep the phone steady until detection completes.

Step 5 Review and Send

Review the extracted data for accuracy, then send to your integration system if needed.

Important Camera Tips

  • Use the main (rear) camera: Make sure you're using the back camera, not the selfie camera
  • Try different orientations: If MRZ isn't detected, try rotating the document 180° (MRZ lines on the right instead of left)
  • Good lighting: Ensure the document is well-lit and avoid shadows
  • Keep steady: Hold the phone steady until detection completes

Data Extracted from MRZ

The Document Scanner normalizes the extracted data into a consistent format, regardless of the document type. The following fields are returned:

Data Field Description Example
Document Type Type of document P (Passport), I (ID Card)
Document Country Issuing country of the document ES
Document Number The unique number assigned to the document PAO123456
Expiry Date The expiration date of the document 2030-01-01
Issue Date The issuance date of the document (optional) 2020-01-01
First Name The holder's first name John
Last Name The holder's last name Doe
Second Last Name The holder's second last name (optional) Doe
Personal Number The holder's personal identification number (optional) 12345678A
Gender The holder's gender m / f
Nationality The holder's nationality ES
Birth Date The holder's date of birth 1980-01-01
Address The holder's address (optional, for Spanish IDs) C/ Mayor 1
City The holder's city (optional, for Spanish IDs) Madrid
Region The holder's region or state (optional, for Spanish IDs) Madrid

Note: For Spanish ID cards (DNI), the scanner can also extract the holder's address, city, and region from the document's text using OCR.

Troubleshooting

MRZ Not Detected

Problem: Camera can't read the MRZ lines

Solutions:

  • Use the main (rear) camera: Make sure you're using the back camera, not the selfie camera
  • Try different orientations: If MRZ isn't detected, try rotating the document 180° (MRZ lines on the right instead of left)
  • Improve lighting - avoid shadows on the page
  • Hold document flat without bending
  • Clean both camera lens and document
  • Keep phone steady until detection completes

Poor Recognition Accuracy

Problem: MRZ is detected but data is incorrect

Solutions:

  • Ensure MRZ area is clean and undamaged
  • Try better lighting conditions
  • Position document to fill the frame properly
  • Wait for camera to focus before scanning
  • Clean camera lens thoroughly

Blurry or No Focus

Problem: Camera won't focus on the document

Solutions:

  • Tap on the MRZ area to force focus
  • Ensure adequate distance (not too close)
  • Check camera permissions are granted
  • Clean camera lens
  • Try in better lighting conditions

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