Legally acceptable identification is one card that contains these six characteristics:
• Issued by a U.S. government agency (federal, state, county, or city)
• Name of the person
• Date of birth
• Photograph
• Physical description (height, weight, hair, and eye color)
• Currently valid (not expired)
The following are all forms of legally acceptable IDs:
1. State-issued driver’s license and identification cards
A document issued by a federal, state, county, or municipal government, or subdivision or agency thereof, including, but not limited to, a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, that contains the name, date of birth, description, and picture of the person.
2. Government-issued passports, even without a physical description of the ID holder
(A valid passport issued by the United States or by a foreign government.
3. Military ID even without a physical description of the ID holder
A valid identification card issued to a member of the Armed Forces that includes a date of birth and a picture of the person.
IDENTIFYING FAKE ID
Detecting fraudulent identifications used by patrons under the age of 21 can be a challenge for employees. Providing training to detect fake identifications by common indicators is necessary.
If you are unsure or suspected a false ID is presented, follow these tips.
• Compare the patron to the photo.
Hairstyles, eye makeup, and eye color, or a beard/mustache, can be changed easily. Therefore, focus on the shape of their nose, chin, ears,
and eyes. These features do not change. If the photo does not closely match the person, do not accept the ID.
• Look for signs of tampering.
If the card is in a plastic sleeve, wallet, or purse, ask to have it removed.
Feel the identification to check the card’s rigidity. Check and feel the ID for bumps, ridges, and irregularities. Run your fingers over the card’s face and edges to check that the seals are intact
• Check the reverse side.
Counterfeiters will often spend a disproportionate amount of time on the front of a fake ID but merely photocopy the back. Look for blurred lettering or lack of focus.
• Make sure that the ID is authentic.
If an out-‐of-‐province ID is presented, it’s good to have a current book of valid IDs close at hand.
• Check a second piece of ID.
A patron must produce two pieces of acceptable identification that prove they are 21 or older, if not you can refuse service.
• Ask the patron to verify the signature.
If you suspect an ID to be false or tampered with, ask the patron to verify their signature by signing and dating a piece of paper. Compare their writing to the ID.
• Watch body language and behavior.
Look for signs of nervousness. Darting eyes and fidgeting may be signs that someone is trying to pass off a fake ID. Are they trying to distract you with questions about the band, cover charge, hours, etc.? Is the patron being flirtatious or acting overly friendly? Avoid distractions and scrutinize the ID.
• Verify the information of the card by asking questions of the ID holder.
Ask them some random questions. What year did they graduate? How old were they? What is their zodiac or Chinese horoscope sign? What does their middle initial stand for? How do they spell their middle name? What is their postal code? There should be no hesitation in answering any of these questions.
Remember that minors themselves aren’t your only issue; you must also watch out for other people trying to purchase alcohol for minors to consume. This is against the law. If any alcohol is given to a minor by a person of age, immediately refuse service to the entire group and remove the alcohol from the table.