Portugal Cartão de Cidadão OCR Python SDK

Instantly extract data and MRZ from Portuguese IDs using our native Python library.

Parsing Cartão de Cidadão Challenges

Parsing the Cartão de Cidadão presents unique challenges due to variations in layout across different card versions and the presence of accented Portuguese characters, which require robust character recognition capabilities.

Why StructOCR for Portugal

Our model is specifically trained on a large dataset of Portuguese Cartão de Cidadão images, ensuring high accuracy. The Python SDK simplifies integration with a clean API, making data extraction quick and easy. This specialized id parsing api is designed to accurately interpret the 14 digits structure found on these identification documents, and it fully supports reading the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) for rigorous global compliance and verification.

Common Use Cases in Portugal

  • Digital Onboarding: Verify users for Fintech apps in Portugal.
  • Telecom Registration: Automate SIM card registration with Cartão de Cidadão.
  • Hotel Check-in: Speed up guest registration workflows.
Need more testing? Create a free account to get 200 free credits (equals 100 National ID scans).

Python SDK Integration

Install the SDK via pip: `pip install structocr`. Then use the following code.

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

from structocr import StructOCR

# Get 200 free credits:
# 👉 https://structocr.com/register
# Initialize with your API Key
client = StructOCR("YOUR_API_KEY_HERE")

def scan_portugal_id():
    # Note: Supports JPG, PNG, WebP (Max 4.5MB)
    # Target: Cartão de Cidadão
    image_path = "portugal_national_id.jpg"

    try:
        print(f"Scanning {image_path}...")
        
        # The SDK handles file upload and API communication
        # It automatically detects that this is a Portuguese document
        result = client.scan_national_id(image_path)

        # Check success flag (SDK returns a dict matching the JSON response)
        if result.get('success'):
            data = result['data']
            print("✅ Portugal Extraction Successful!")
            
            # Basic Identity
            print(f"Region:      {data.get('country_code')} (Series: {data.get('card_series')})")
            print(f"Name:        {data.get('given_names')} {data.get('surname')}")
            print(f"ID Number:   {data.get('document_number')}")
            
            # Critical Field: Personal Identity Number (CNP/CPF/NIN)
            print(f"Personal #:  {data.get('personal_number')}")
            
            # Demographics
            print(f"DOB:         {data.get('date_of_birth')} ({data.get('sex')})")
            print(f"Address:     {data.get('address')}")

            # Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
            additional = data.get('additional_fields', {})
            if additional.get('mrz_line_1'):
                print("\n--- MRZ Data ---")
                print(additional.get('mrz_line_1'))
                print(additional.get('mrz_line_2'))
                if additional.get('mrz_line_3'):
                    print(additional.get('mrz_line_3'))
        else:
            print(f"❌ Extraction Failed: {result.get('error')}")

    except Exception as e:
        # Handle SDK or Network errors
        print(f"An error occurred: {e}")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    scan_portugal_id()

Technical Specs

  • •Latency: < 4s (Average)
  • •Availability: Served from Cloudflare's global edge network
  • •Security: AES-256 Encryption & SOC2 Compliant
  • •Input: JPG, PNG, WebP (Max 4.5MB)
  • •Output: JSON (Structured Data)

Key Features

  • •Native Script Support: Reads English and local characters.
  • •MRZ Parsing: Accurately extracts and validates the Machine Readable Zone lines for cross-checking.
  • •Blur Detection: Automatically rejects blurry images.
  • •Fraud Check: Validates Cartão de Cidadão number format.
  • •Smart Crop: Removes background noise automatically.

JSON Response Example

The SDK returns a Python dictionary matching this JSON structure.

{
  "success": true,
  "data": {
    "type": "national_id",
    "country_code": "PRT",
    "nationality": "PORTUGUESA",
    "document_number": "12345678",
    "card_series": "v2",
    "personal_number": "123456789 ZX8",
    "surname": "FERREIRA",
    "given_names": "MARIA DE FÁTIMA",
    "sex": "M",
    "date_of_birth": "1990-05-15",
    "place_of_birth": "LISBOA",
    "address": "Av. da Liberdade 110, 2º Esq., 1250-146 Lisboa",
    "date_of_issue": "2020-01-01",
    "date_of_expiry": "2030-01-01",
    "issuing_authority": "República Portuguesa",
    "additional_fields": {
      "phone_number": null,
      "tramite_number": null,
      "ejemplar": null,
      "mrz_line_1": "IDPRT12345678<0<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<",
      "mrz_line_2": "9005151M3001018PRT123456789ZX84",
      "mrz_line_3": "FERREIRA<<MARIA<DE<FATIMA<<<<<"
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Python SDK handle image uploads?

Yes, the SDK automatically handles base64 encoding and file uploads.

Is data stored?

Only briefly. Uploaded images and results are kept for at most 24 hours for quality spot-checks, then deleted.

How to handle errors?

The SDK result dictionary contains a 'success' boolean and an 'error' message if failed.

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