ISO/IEC 7811 specifies the requirements for embossed characters on identification cards. Embossed characters are intended for data transfer using imprinters or by visual or machine reading. It sets minimum requirements, taking into account both human and mechanical aspects.
The purpose of this document is to define which criteria must be met in the design of cards.
How many parts does the ISO/IEC 7811 standard consist of?
ISO/IEC 7811 Identification cards – Recording technique is a set of nine standards (7811-1 to 7811-9) describing the recording technique on identification cards.
It includes:
- “Part 1”: Embossing
- “Part 2”: Magnetic stripe – Low coercivity
- “Part 3”: Location of embossed characters on ID-1 cards
Part 3 has already been withdrawn and revised by Part 1. - “Part 4”: Location of read-only magnetic tracks – Tracks 1 and 2
Part 4 has already been withdrawn and revised by Part 2. - “Part 5”: Location of read-write magnetic track – Track 3
Part 5 has been revised to be included in Part 2. - “Part 6”: Magnetic stripe – High coercivity
- “Part 7”: Magnetic stripe – High coercivity, high density
It allows 10 times the capacity of a card that complies with Part 6. - “Part 8”: Magnetic stripe – Coercivity of 51.7 kA/m (650 Oe)
(including any protective overlay) - “Part 9”: Tactile identifier mark
It specifies the physical characteristics of the tactile identifier mark used by visually impaired cardholders to distinguish their cards.
