Understanding the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) of Your Passport
Discover what the number at the bottom of your passport means and its significance in identity verification.
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The number at the bottom of the passport is called the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ). It contains your passport number, nationality, full name, date of birth, gender, and the passport's expiry date, all in a format that can be easily scanned by computer systems.
FAQs & Answers
- What information is contained in the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) of a passport? The MRZ contains your passport number, nationality, full name, date of birth, gender, and the passport's expiry date.
- Why is the Machine-Readable Zone important? The MRZ is important because it enables quick and accurate data reading by computer systems, facilitating border control and travel efficiency.
- How can I find the MRZ on my passport? The MRZ is located at the bottom of the passport's personal information page, usually shown in two lines of alphanumeric text.
- Are there different formats for the Machine-Readable Zone across countries? While the MRZ is standardized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the layout and specific data presented may vary slightly between different countries' passports.