Algeria CNIBE (Biometric ID) OCR Python SDK

Parsing CNIBE (Biometric ID) Challenges

Extracting data from Algerian CNIBE cards presents unique challenges. Firstly, the presence of both French and Arabic text requires robust multilingual OCR capabilities that standard engines like Tesseract struggle to handle simultaneously. Secondly, the varying print quality and the potential for glare on laminated cards can affect accuracy. Most importantly, manually parsing the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) on the back to verify identity mathematically is complex and error-prone.

Why StructOCR for Algeria

StructOCR is specifically trained on a vast dataset of Algerian CNIBE cards, enabling unparalleled accuracy in id card parsing. Our Python SDK abstracts away the complexities of OCR and seamlessly handles dual-language extraction for enhanced kyc automation. For comprehensive identity workflows, you can also seamlessly integrate our Algeria Passport OCR API to cross-reference user identities across multiple documents.

Common Use Cases in North Africa

• Digital Onboarding: Verify users for Fintech apps in Algeria by pre-filling data in < 2 seconds.
• Telecom Registration: Automate SIM card registration with CNIBE dual-language extraction.
• Pan-African Expansion: Seamlessly process users across the Maghreb region. Our unified Python SDK automatically detects and extracts data from neighboring documents, such as the Morocco National ID or Tunisia ID, without requiring any custom rules or new API endpoints.

Python SDK Integration

Install the SDK via pip: `pip install structocr`. The SDK automatically maps Algerian specific fields (like the NIN) and parses the TD1 MRZ block.

Prerequisite: Python 3.6+ and `structocr` library installed.

from structocr import StructOCR

# 🔑 Need a key for Algeria? Get 200 free credits instantly:
# 👉 https://structocr.com/register
# Initialize with your API Key
client = StructOCR("YOUR_API_KEY_HERE")

def scan_algeria_id():
    # Note: Supports JPG, PNG, WebP (Max 4.5MB)
    image_path = "algeria_national_id.jpg"

    try:
        print(f"Scanning {image_path}...")
        result = client.scan_national_id(image_path)

        if result.get('success'):
            data = result['data']
            print("✅ Algeria CNIBE Extraction Successful!")
            
            # Basic Identity
            print(f"Region:      {data.get('country_code')}")
            print(f"Name:        {data.get('given_names')} {data.get('surname')}")
            print(f"ID Number:   {data.get('document_number')}")
            
            # Critical Field: NIN (Numéro d'Identification National)
            print(f"NIN:         {data.get('personal_number')}")
            
            # Demographics
            print(f"DOB:         {data.get('date_of_birth')} ({data.get('sex')})")
            print(f"Address:     {data.get('address')}")
            
            # Extract TD1 MRZ Data
            additional = data.get('additional_fields', {})
            if additional.get('mrz_line_1'):
                print("\n🔍 MRZ Data Extracted:")
                print(f"Line 1: {additional.get('mrz_line_1')}")
                print(f"Line 2: {additional.get('mrz_line_2')}")
                print(f"Line 3: {additional.get('mrz_line_3')}")
        else:
            print(f"❌ Extraction Failed: {result.get('error')}")

    except Exception as e:
        print(f"An error occurred: {e}")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    scan_algeria_id()

JSON Response Example

The SDK returns a Python dictionary containing both the parsed visual data (VIZ) in French/Arabic and the raw Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) block.

{
  "success": true,
  "data": {
    "type": "national_id",
    "country_code": "DZA",
    "nationality": "ALGÉRIENNE",
    "document_number": "192345678",
    "card_series": "",
    "personal_number": "190012345678901234",
    "surname": "BOUAZIZ",
    "given_names": "KARIM",
    "sex": "M",
    "date_of_birth": "1990-05-15",
    "place_of_birth": "ALGER",
    "address": "15 Rue Didouche Mourad, Alger",
    "date_of_issue": "2020-01-01",
    "date_of_expiry": "2030-01-01",
    "issuing_authority": "Ministère de l'Intérieur",
    "additional_fields": {
      "mrz_line_1": "I<DZABOUAZIZ<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<",
      "mrz_line_2": "KARIM<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<",
      "mrz_line_3": "1923456783DZA9005156M3001018<4"
    }
  }
}