PURPOSE: To improve the reading performance of an embossed card.

CONSTITUTION: This embossed card reader is provided with an LED array 1 as a light source projecting light on arc embossed card 6, a lens array 2 and a CCD sensor 3 as light receiving parts receiving reflection light from the embossed card 6 and converting the light into electric signals, a processing circuit 4 detecting the projecting and recessing parts of the embossed card 6 based on the electric signals and a projected and received light angle variable mechanism 5 changing the angle projecting light on the embossed card 6 and the angle receiving the reflection light from the embossed card 6 so that these angles may be the same.