Not every passport project needs access to the NFC chip. In many check-in and registration systems, the main requirement is simply to capture the printed identity data quickly.

The XTIOT XT6996M reads the MRZ printed on passports and ID documents through image recognition. It decodes the text and sends the data to the host system.

What does it read?

The scanner captures common MRZ formats, including:

• Passport MRZ

• ID card MRZ

• Visa MRZ

It can output information such as the document number, name, nationality, date of birth and expiry date. How this data is stored or verified depends on the customer’s software.

Image reading, not NFC reading

The XT6996M does not read the electronic chip inside a passport or ID card. It is not an NFC reader.

This distinction matters when choosing hardware:

• Use the XT6996M when the system only needs printed MRZ data.

• Add a separate NFC reader when chip verification is required.

For projects that do not need chip authentication, an image-based MRZ scanner keeps the hardware and integration simpler.

Designed for equipment integration

The compact module can be installed inside:

• Hotel check-in terminals

• Visitor registration devices

• Airport self-service kiosks

• ID verification equipment

• Passport data collection systems

The XT6996M handles document recognition and data output. The customer develops the host software according to the project workflow.

Before selecting an MRZ reader, confirm one point first: Do you need the printed MRZ data, or must the system also read the NFC chip?