Did you know that your passport has secret codes? Learn its meaning here

Passports today are embedded with advanced security features to prevent forgery and unauthorized alterations. One of the lesser-known elements hidden within these travel documents is a set of codes that reveal important information about the passport and its holder.

One such code is the three-letter country identifier, which denotes the issuing country. These abbreviations follow the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) list, first introduced in 1974. Unsurprisingly, the code for the United States is USA, which can be found on the second page of an American passport.

In addition to the country code, your travel document will feature a nine-digit passport number, if it is issued by the US government. Some countries choose to include letters in their passport numbers as well.

How authorities make falsifying passports more difficult

As forgery techniques become more advanced, authorities continually enhance the security features of passports. Some of the latest innovations include biometric chips, which store important information such as the holder’s facial image, fingerprints, and other personal details.

Before the introduction of these chips, many countries relied on the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ), a section of two lines of encoded characters. In a U.S. passport, the MRZ can be found on page two and contains key details about the passport holder, including their name, nationality, passport number, and expiration date.

Additionally, similar to modern ID cards, passports incorporate security features such as holograms, micro printing, and ultraviolet (UV) elements. These features, which are only visible under specific lighting conditions, help authorities quickly verify the authenticity of a document and detect potential counterfeits.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.