NFC Reader

Read electronic id cards and passports using NFC

Contents

Overview

DocuGuest can read electronic passports (ePassports) and NFC-enabled ID cards that comply with ICAO standards. The process involves scanning the document to obtain access keys, then reading the NFC chip.

Technology

  • ICAO 9303 compliant
  • Basic Access Control (BAC)
  • Passive Authentication
  • Secure data extraction
  • Supports both passports and ID cards

Security

  • MRZ required for access
  • Encrypted communication
  • Digital signature verification
  • No data stored locally

Compatible Passports

Fully Supported

European Union

All EU member states

Fully Supported

Americas

USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil

Fully Supported

Asia-Pacific

Japan, Australia, Singapore

Most passports issued after 2006 and many modern ID cards include NFC chips. Over 140 countries issue ICAO-compliant ePassports and electronic ID cards.

Step 1: Document Scanning

NFC Document Reader Interface

NFC Document Reader Interface

The NFC screen shows document examples and provides instructions for the reading process.

What is the MRZ?

The Machine Readable Zone consists of two lines of text at the bottom of your passport's photo page or ID card:

P<ESPDOE<<JOHN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
123456789<ESP8501017M2812315<<<<<<<<<<<<<<04

This contains your document number, birth date, and expiry date - needed to unlock the NFC chip.

Scanning the Document

  1. Open "NFC" from the home screen
  2. Select document type (ID card or Passport)
  3. Tap "Scan document"
  4. Position the document in the camera frame
  5. Align the MRZ lines within the guide (for passports) or position ID card appropriately
  6. Hold steady - the app will automatically detect and read the document

Tips for Better Scanning:

  • Ensure good lighting (avoid shadows)
  • Keep passport flat
  • Fill the frame with just the MRZ lines
  • Clean camera lens if blurry

Step 2: NFC Reading

After Document Scan NFC Prompt

Once the document is successfully scanned, you'll see:

  • "Place the document on the back of the device"
  • An animation showing where to place the document

Position Place Document

Position the document on your phone:

  • For passports: Close the passport (keep it closed)
  • For ID cards: Place the card flat against the back of phone
  • The chip is usually in the cover (passports) or center of card (ID cards)
  • Try different positions if not detected immediately

Reading Keep Still

During reading (10-20 seconds):

  • "Scanning document chip..." will appear
  • Keep document completely still
  • Don't move phone or document
  • Progress will be shown on screen

Complete View Results

When successful:

  • Personal data will be displayed
  • Photo from chip (if available)
  • Option to send to integration

Data Extracted

Data Field Description Availability
Document Number Passport or ID card number Always
Full Name Given names and surname Always
Nationality Country code (ISO 3166) Always
Date of Birth Birth date Always
Gender M/F/X Always
Expiry Date Document expiration Always
Issuing Country Country that issued document Always
Personal Number National ID number Sometimes
Place of Birth Birth location Sometimes

Troubleshooting

MRZ Not Detected

Problem: Camera can't read the MRZ lines

Solutions:

  • Improve lighting - avoid shadows on the page
  • Hold passport flat without bending
  • Clean both camera lens and passport page
  • Ensure MRZ lines fill the scanning guide
  • Try manual entry if scanning fails repeatedly

Authentication Failed

Problem: "Authentication failed" after document scan

Solutions:

  • Verify document data was read correctly (check displayed data)
  • Ensure document isn't expired
  • Some very old ePassports or ID cards may not be compatible
  • Try scanning document again for accuracy

NFC Communication Error

Problem: Can't read document chip via NFC

Solutions:

  • Remove phone case if thick or metallic
  • Try different positions - chip location varies
  • Keep passport closed during reading (for passports)
  • Hold completely still for 10-20 seconds
  • Ensure NFC is enabled in phone settings

Unsupported Document

Problem: "This document type is not supported"

Solutions:

  • Check for ePassport or NFC symbol on document
  • Documents before 2006 may lack NFC
  • Some countries have proprietary formats
  • Use Document Scanner for MRZ-only reading

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