Fix PDF417_NOT_DECODED for Driver License Images

What the Failure Means

PDF417_NOT_DECODED means the service could not recover a reliable barcode payload from the submitted image. It is a capture failure, not an invitation to guess the identity fields.

A Reliable Recovery Path

Show a retake screen that keeps the entire barcode in frame, checks focus before upload, avoids glare, and submits the original image rather than a screenshot. Consult the PDF417 error reference for status codes and use the scanner with fictional or authorized samples while tuning capture guidance.

Where This Workflow Fits

• Full barcode visible: Validate this condition before the image leaves the capture screen.
• Sharp narrow bars: Include this check in support guidance and quality monitoring.
• No glare across rows: Include this check in support guidance and quality monitoring.

Handle the Result Explicitly

Treat capture errors as application states. Never substitute guessed identity values when the barcode cannot be validated.

Prerequisite: A server-side API integration and a capture UI that can request a new license-back image

if response.status_code == 422:
    error = response.json().get("error")
    if error == "PDF417_NOT_DECODED":
        return {
            "action": "retake",
            "message": "Photograph the full back of the license in even light.",
        }

Example Recoverable Error

This illustrative error contains no personal data. Use the error code, rather than free-form text, to select the next application action.

{
  "success": false,
  "error": "PDF417_NOT_DECODED",
  "message": "Upload a clear image of the complete back of the US driver license or State ID."
}