document-identity
ICAO MRZ / Travel Document Barcode (ICAO MRZ)
Code 128 or PDF417 encoding of Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) data from ICAO-compliant travel documents including passports, visas, and ID cards used for border control and automated gate systems.
Governing Specification: ICAO Doc 9303 / ISO/IEC 7501
Data Format & Required Fields
Encodes two or three line MRZ strings of 44 or 36 characters per line using Code 128 for linear or PDF417 for high-capacity boarding/visa documents. Includes check digit fields per ICAO Doc 9303 Part 3.
Allowed Character SetUppercase letters A-Z, digits 0-9, and filler character (<).
Payload Length Rule Between 44 and 90 characters
Check Digit / Checksum Rule Requires a verified modulo-10 check digit to prevent scanner misreads and data transposition errors.
Example Valid Format
P<INDRAVISHAL<<SARANSH<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Industry Guidance & Practical Applications
- Airport e-gate and border control automated kiosk scanning
- Visa and entry permit issuance and verification
- Immigration officer document verification workflows
Packaging & Scanning Notes: Widely deployed at international airports including Indian immigration (FRRO) and global border crossings.
Symbol Constraints & Label Guidelines
- MRZ encoding is governed by ICAO and national security printing agencies.
- Production use requires secure document printing with anti-forgery substrates.