What is PDF417?
PDF417 is a stacked two-dimensional barcode that packs up to about 1.1KB of text into a compact rectangle of stacked rows. It carries full error correction, so it stays readable even when part of the code is damaged or obscured. That durability and capacity make it the standard for driver licenses and government ID cards, postal and freight labels, and any printed document that must survive handling and still be machine-read.
Common Uses for PDF417
- Driver licenses and government ID card data (AAMVA)
- Postal and courier labels carrying routing data
- Freight waybills and shipping manifests
- Employee badges and document tracking sheets
PDF417 vs QR Code
PDF417 is rectangular and reads with raster scanners on paper that may be scuffed - which is why motor vehicle departments and freight carriers standardized on it. QR reads with phone cameras and is the choice for consumer-facing links. If your code sits on a plastic card or a cardboard waybill, PDF417 tolerates damage better; if it is for a phone scan, use QR.
PDF417 Error Correction
PDF417 lets you select an error-correction level from 0 to 8. Higher levels add redundant codewords so the symbol survives scratches, tears and printing defects - level 5 or above recovers from around 25% damage. The generator produces codes with solid default error correction that scan reliably after normal handling.
PDF417 on ID Cards and Licenses
In North America, driver licenses and state IDs carry PDF417 holding the AAMVA-standardized record - name, date of birth, license number and address. The code is printed small on the back of the card and must survive years of wallet wear, which is exactly the damage tolerance PDF417 error correction provides.
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