Recognizing Fraudulent ID's

• The card's expiration date. Do not accept the license if the date is expired.
• The word "duplicate" on the card. Someone else may have the original card.
• The state logo. A state seal or logo that is partially missing or appears altered is another clue to a fake card.
• Glue lines or bumpy surfaces by the picture or birth date. Uneven surfaces often indicate tampering.
• Consistency of numbers. The typeset for the birth date and expiration date should match the lettering used on the rest of the license. Also, look for tiny pieces of paper with modified dates placed over the original numbers.
• Pin holes on the surface. Bleach may have been inserted to "white-out" certain aspects of the date.
• The card's reverse-side lettering. While the front may appear flawless, often counterfeiters merely photocopy the reverse side. Look for blurred lettering.
• Someone else's card. Make sure the photo, height and weight on the card match the person in front of you.
• If you suspect the ID to be a fake, ask the individual for another form of identification.
• Size, color, lettering, thickness and corners. Compare the questionable ID against a "standard" - your own valid driver's license.
• If it is an out-of-state license, or for any reason looks unfamiliar to you, use an ID checking guide. This is especially important in college and tourist communities.

If you should spot any one of these problems:

• Ask the individual presenting the ID for a second form of identification. Ask for an ID that is over (1) year old.
• Ask the cardholder questions about information contained in the ID, such as birth date, middle initial, zip code and so forth. His or her response should be without hesitation.

The Bottom Line

If you are not absolutely convinced that the card is authentic - DO NOT SERVE THE CUSTOMER!

Please monitor the intake of your customers. It is unlawful to serve alcohol to intoxicated individuals. Make an effort to provide a safe return home for your customers. Together we hope to decrease the growing number of alcohol related deaths in our community.