MRZstandaarden

MRZstandaarden, or Machine Readable Zone standards, refer to the specifications for the machine-readable zone found on identity documents such as passports and ID cards. This zone contains encoded data that can be read by automated systems, typically using optical character recognition (OCR) technology. The MRZ is a critical component in border control and security systems, enabling rapid verification of travel documents.

The MRZ is typically located at the bottom of the document and consists of two or three lines of alphanumeric characters. The first line contains the document type, issuing country, and document number. The second line includes the holder's date of birth and gender, while the third line, if present, contains the document's expiration date and personal number. Each character in the MRZ is encoded using a specific font and spacing to ensure accurate OCR reading.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established the most widely used MRZ standards, particularly for passports. These standards are designed to facilitate international travel and ensure the security and integrity of travel documents. Other organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), have also developed MRZ standards for various types of identity documents.

MRZstandaarden play a crucial role in modern border control systems, enabling efficient and secure verification of travel documents. By adhering to these standards, countries can ensure compatibility and interoperability between different systems and documents, thereby enhancing global travel security.