Thales CR100M USB Passport MRZ and 3-Track Magnetic Stripe Reader for Compatible Travel Documents and Identification Cards

Brand: Thales
Model: CR100M
Product Type: MRZ and Magnetic Stripe Swipe Reader
Reading Technology: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Magnetic Stripe Reading (MSR)
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Power: USB Powered
Availability: Subject to Supplier Confirmation

Products Overview

The Thales CR100M MRZ and MSR Swipe Reader is a compact USB document reader designed to capture machine-readable information from compatible passports, travel documents and magnetic-stripe cards.

The CR100M combines two reading functions in one device:

• MRZ Reading: Captures machine-readable zone information from supported travel and identification documents.
• MSR Reading: Reads compatible three-track magnetic-stripe cards.

The device supports bi-directional swiping, allowing documents and cards to be passed through the reader from either direction.

Its USB-powered design and compact enclosure make it suitable for integration into compatible counter-based document-processing systems.

The CR100M captures document data. It does not independently verify document authenticity or provide a complete identity verification system.

Key Features

• Passport MRZ Reading: Supports two-line and three-line ICAO-compliant machine-readable documents.
• Magnetic Stripe Reading: Supports compatible three-track magnetic-stripe cards.
• Dual Reading Functions: MRZ and MSR in one device.
• Bi-Directional Swiping: Supports left-to-right and right-to-left operation.
• USB 2.0 Connectivity: Data and power through a single USB connection.
• Infrared Illumination: Near-infrared illumination for supported OCR reading.
• LED Status Indicator: Provides device and reading-status feedback.
• Compact Design: Suitable for compatible desktop and counter installations.
• Optional Desktop Mount: Available for supported mounting arrangements.
• Software Development Kit: Manufacturer documentation lists integration resources for supported platforms.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Thales
Model: CR100M
Product Category: Passport MRZ and Magnetic Stripe Reader
Reading Technology: OCR / MRZ / MSR
MRZ Support: Two-Line and Three-Line ICAO-Compliant Documents
Additional Document Support: Selected One-Line and Near-ICAO Document Formats
Magnetic Stripe: Three Tracks
Magnetic Stripe Standard: ISO 7811/2-5, Including AAMVA Formats
Swipe Direction: Bi-Directional
Illumination: Near-Infrared B900, Approximately 880nm
Communication Interface: USB 2.0
Power Source: USB Powered
Peak Current: Less Than 400mA
Status Indicator: Multi-Colour LED
Operating Temperature: 5°C to 35°C
Storage Temperature: -10°C to 60°C
Operating Humidity: 40–90% RH, Non-Condensing
Dimensions Without Mount (L × W × H): Approximately 117 × 40 × 48 mm
Weight Without Mount: Approximately 120g
Dimensions With Desktop Mount: Approximately 133 × 56 × 52 mm
Weight With Desktop Mount: Approximately 160g
USB Cable: Length Depends on Selected Configuration
Windows Compatibility: Manufacturer Lists Windows 8.1, 10 and 11
Linux Support: Manufacturer Lists Supported Linux Builds
Android Support: Limited SDK Functionality
SDK: Available for Supported Integration Environments
Warranty: Manufacturer Datasheet Lists Two Years; UAE Terms Require Confirmation
Product Condition: Subject to Confirmation
UAE Availability: Subject to Confirmation

Passport MRZ Reading

The Thales CR100M is designed to capture machine-readable zone data from supported passports and travel documents.

The manufacturer specifies OCR reading of two-line and three-line ICAO-compliant documents under the applicable ICAO 9303 format requirements.

Additional supported document formats may include selected one-line identity documents and driving licences.

Reading compatibility depends on the document format, condition, software and applicable configuration.

Magnetic Stripe Card Reading

The CR100M includes a magnetic-stripe reader supporting compatible three-track cards conforming to ISO 7811/2-5.

Potential applications include supported employee identification cards, loyalty cards and driving licences containing compatible magnetic-stripe data.

The device does not independently provide payment processing, cardholder authentication or transaction authorization.

Bi-Directional Swipe Operation

The CR100M supports document and card swiping in either direction.

This allows the device to be positioned according to the physical layout of a compatible workstation.

Reading results depend on document alignment, condition, swipe operation and software configuration.

USB Connectivity

The CR100M connects to a compatible host system through USB 2.0.

The USB interface provides both communication and device power, without requiring a separate external power supply under the manufacturer's specified conditions.

The exact cable length and mounting accessories should be confirmed for the selected configuration.

Software and Integration Compatibility

Thales provides software development resources for supported CR100M integration environments.

Manufacturer documentation lists compatibility information for:

• Windows 8.1
• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• Selected Linux Distributions
• Android with Limited SDK Functionality

The availability of SDK resources does not mean that the reader automatically works with every hotel, banking, visitor management or registration application.

Software integration, data handling and application licensing must be confirmed separately.

Applications

The Thales CR100M may be considered for compatible:

• Hotel Guest Registration
• Visitor Management
• Travel Document Data Capture
• Transportation Counters
• Car Rental Registration
• Employee Identification Workflows
• Customer Registration Systems
• Administrative Document Processing

For regulated or identity-sensitive applications, organizations should verify their legal obligations, software requirements and document-handling procedures before deployment.

Compatibility

Before ordering, customers should confirm:

• Required Passport and ID Document Formats
• MRZ and Magnetic Stripe Reading Requirements
• Operating System
• Application and SDK Compatibility
• USB Cable Length
• Desktop Mounting Requirements
• Data Protection and Privacy Requirements
• Software Licensing
• Package Contents
• Warranty Coverage

Important: The CR100M is primarily a document data-capture device. It should not be represented as a standalone passport authentication system, biometric reader, RFID chip reader or complete identity verification solution.

Why NEOTECH® UAE?

NEOTECH® provides product information and supply enquiries for document readers, barcode equipment and related business technology products in the United Arab Emirates.

For the Thales CR100M, we recommend confirming document compatibility, software integration requirements and the exact supplied configuration before purchasing.

Learn First. Decide Second. Buy Only If It Is Right for Your Needs.

Delivery – UAE

NEOTECH® accepts enquiries from customers throughout the United Arab Emirates.

For eligible stocked orders, our standard published delivery terms are:

• Shipping: Free Standard UAE Delivery
• Order Cutoff: 2:00 PM GST
• Handling: 1–2 Business Days
• Transit: 3–5 Business Days
• Estimated Delivery: 4–7 Business Days

Imported or special-order products may require a separately confirmed delivery period.

Product condition, AED pricing, applicable VAT, availability, warranty and delivery terms will be confirmed before order acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Thales CR100M?
A: The Thales CR100M is a USB-powered document swipe reader that combines passport MRZ reading and magnetic-stripe card reading.

Q: Can the CR100M read passports?
A: Yes. It supports MRZ data capture from compatible ICAO-compliant passports and travel documents.

Q: What does MRZ mean?
A: MRZ stands for Machine Readable Zone, the standardized area containing machine-readable information on supported identity and travel documents.

Q: Does the CR100M support magnetic-stripe cards?
A: Yes. It supports compatible three-track magnetic-stripe cards conforming to the manufacturer's specified standards.

Q: Can the reader swipe in both directions?
A: Yes. The CR100M supports bi-directional swiping.

Q: Does the CR100M require an external power adapter?
A: No. The manufacturer specifies power through a compatible USB connection.

Q: Does the CR100M support Windows 11?
A: The manufacturer lists Windows 11 support. Customers should confirm driver, SDK and application compatibility before ordering.

Q: Can the CR100M work with hotel registration software?
A: It may be integrated with compatible hotel registration systems. Software support and integration requirements must be verified.

Q: Can the CR100M read UAE Emirates ID cards?
A: Compatibility with the required Emirates ID data format has not been established for this configuration. The CR100M should not be assumed to read the Emirates ID contactless chip or all printed fields.

Q: Does the CR100M read passport RFID chips?
A: RFID passport-chip reading is not specified for the CR100M. It should not be advertised as an ePassport chip reader.

Q: Does the CR100M verify whether a passport is genuine?
A: No. MRZ data capture alone does not establish document authenticity.

Q: Does the CR100M include fingerprint recognition?
A: No. A fingerprint reader is not specified for this model.

Q: Does the CR100M include software?
A: Manufacturer SDK resources are documented, but the inclusion of application software and licences must be confirmed for the supplied package.

Q: What is the difference between the CR100 and CR100M?
A: The CR100M includes magnetic-stripe reading in addition to MRZ functionality. Customers should verify the exact model before ordering.

Q: Is the Thales CR100M available in Dubai?
A: Customers may request a quotation from NEOTECH® UAE. Availability, pricing and delivery lead time are subject to confirmation.

Disclaimer - NEOTECH® UAE

Thales, Gemalto, CR100M and related product names are trademarks or product names of their respective owners.

This page describes the Thales CR100M MRZ and MSR Swipe Reader.

Technical information is based on manufacturer-published documentation. Document compatibility, operating-system support and software functionality depend on the selected configuration and application environment.

The CR100M captures supported document and magnetic-stripe data. It does not independently authenticate passports, verify identities, read contactless passport chips or provide a complete identity verification solution.

Customers handling identity documents or personal information are responsible for implementing appropriate privacy, security and regulatory controls.

Warranty, product condition, included accessories, AED pricing, applicable VAT, stock availability and delivery terms require confirmation before order acceptance.

NEOTECH® does not claim manufacturer authorization, exclusive distribution rights or guaranteed application compatibility without supporting documentation.

Contact – NEOTECH® UAE

Brand: NEOTECH®
Sales Inquiries: NEOLYN TECHNOLOGY LLC
Store: Store 13, Computer Building, Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
WhatsApp: +971 50 739 1234
Email: support@neotech.ae

The contracting and invoicing company will be identified in the formal quotation and payment instructions.

Last Updated: 4 November 2026 (GST, UTC+4)