What were once simple identification documents used solely for travel have now become multi-layered, highly sophisticated security booklets that use the latest technology to prevent fraud, unauthorized access, and counterfeiting.

Over the last century, passports have changed beyond recognition. Those from 100 years ago were handwritten, with official seals and stamps being their only security features. In the 1980s, passports began to contain machine-readable zones (MRZ), which meant border control was faster and more secure. A decade later, watermarks, complex backgrounds, and holograms were added for further security as these were difficult to forge.

However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that passports started to include chips and biometrics. Nowadays, passports are highly sophisticated. They’re printed with challenging layers of complexity and laser engraving alongside the hidden chips. As a result, these documents have become highly regarded and useful for secure ID verification–and not just for the travel industry. In this article, we’ll discuss how passport scanners are used widely to use the secure level of information found within passports.

How Online Passport Scanners Work

Passport scanners have varying functions. They can scan and extract personal details from passports, ID cards, and other documents like driver’s licenses. They are useful for any industry that requires correct data entry as they’re quick and reduce manual errors. Besides this, they are capable of verifying the authenticity of a document to prevent fraud.

Features:

A passport scanner online can:

  • Match the document’s photo with a selfie to confirm ID.
  • Recognize documents from all countries and in all languages.
  • Authenticate documents in real time (and detect tampered or fake documents)
  • Learn as they go to improve accuracy (thanks to AI and Machine Learning integration)

Banking and Financial Services

For banking and financial services, passport scanners are used frequently to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. This is vital for preventing fraud in a range of situations, including:

  • Online banking
  • Opening an account
  • Applying for insurance
  • Applying for a loan
  • Wire transfers and large transactions
  • Using investment and stock trading platforms
  • Cryptocurrency exchanges

Having access to instant ID verification speeds up the processes while also reducing the risks of identity theft, account fraud, and other financial crimes. Automated scanning means processes are quicker while also being more secure.

E-Commerce and Digital Payments

When it comes to high-value online transactions, passport scanners have become crucial. These help verify users to prevent unauthorized use or fraudulent purchases. This also helps with regulatory compliance, particularly for businesses that have to adhere to KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.

This scanning technology can be used in real-time to authenticate customers. This helps the transactions be matched with identities to align with the legal side of things while also protecting businesses and building trust through a secure and fast user experience.

Health and Telemedicine

In healthcare, passport scanners can verify patient identities. In some countries, the USA included, medical fraud happens. This is when someone tries to get a medical procedure carried out as another person due to a lack of insurance. With passport scanning technology, this can be prevented. Online passport scanners are also useful in telemedicine platforms so that remote consultations and prescriptions can happen securely and with full legal compliance.

The Future of Passport Scanning Technology

With continuing and potential advancements, like blockchain-based identity management and biometric verification, things are set to become even more secure. Businesses across all industries from banking to e-commerce are adopting these solutions for their own peace of mind, for compliance, and to show customers that they’re trustworthy.

With more processes becoming online, instant and secure identity verification is needed. Machine learning, AI, and real-time authentication all have–and will continue to have–a role in identity verification to prevent fraud.

Endnote

To summarize, passports these days aren’t just useful (and necessary) for travel. These days, they contain a wealth of information both on them and within them and it’s this that online passport scanners use to help perform security checks and meet regulations in a range of industries. From banking and financial services to medical appointments and procedures, the technology means consumers and businesses are safer than ever before.