How to Scan a PDF417 Barcode
PDF417 is a stacked two-dimensional barcode used on driver licenses, boarding passes, shipping labels and government documents. It holds much more data than a standard linear barcode, so it needs a reader that supports 2D symbologies.
Ways to scan PDF417
- Hardware scanner: choose an imager that lists PDF417 as a supported symbology. Basic laser scanners that only read 1D codes will fail.
- Phone app: many camera-based scanner apps read PDF417. Make sure the app shows the raw decoded text.
- Software library: ZXing and similar libraries can decode PDF417 from images in your own application.
If a PDF417 barcode will not scan
- Check the whole symbol is in the frame, including the quiet zone (blank margin) around it.
- Print or display it larger. Tiny symbols with narrow bars often fail.
- Increase contrast: solid black on white works best, with no glare or reflections.
- Confirm the scanner has PDF417 enabled in its settings.
- Do not stretch or crop the image. Scale it proportionally.
Reading the decoded data
A decoded driver license barcode returns text that begins with the AAMVA header. See the AAMVA barcode format guide to interpret it. To produce test barcodes for your scanner, use the AAMVA PDF417 generator.