How To Check Fake IDs: A Practical Guide for 2025

Key Takeaways

• Fake IDs in 2025 range from simple borrowed licenses to sophisticated scannable counterfeits, requiring staff to combine visual checks, tactile inspection, and scanning to spot them quickly and confidently.
• Most fake IDs fall into three categories—forged, borrowed, or altered government IDs—and each type has different red flags that demand specific detection techniques.
• Frontline checks should focus first on photo match, date of birth, holograms, and overall card quality before relying on scanners, since technology alone cannot catch every fake.
• Modern security features like holograms, laser engraving, UV imagery, and precisely encoded barcodes are difficult to replicate accurately and should form the core of your inspection routine.
• Regular training, written procedures, and appropriate ID verification tools dramatically reduce the risk of accepting fake IDs and facing legal consequences.

Introduction: Why Learning How to Check Fake IDs Matters

Fake IDs remain one of the most common tools used in the United States for underage drinking, club entry, identity theft, and fraudulent account opening. Since 2020, enforcement has tightened considerably as identity theft cases have surged, pushing businesses to take ID verification more seriously than ever before. The problem isn’t limited to major cities—an underage person presenting a counterfeit state driver’s license at a bar in college towns like Austin, Texas or Madison, Wisconsin is a scenario that plays out thousands of times each week.

The scope of the issue is significant. Document fraud rates in North America during 2024 hovered close to 1% of all IDs checked through online verification systems, higher than the global average. That means for every 100 IDs scanned at a bank, rental counter, or fintech onboarding flow, roughly one is suspicious. For in-person venues like bars and nightclubs, where checks are faster and less rigorous, the actual encounter rate with fake IDs is likely even higher.

This guide is aimed at bartenders, door staff, retail employees, hotel front desk workers, bank tellers, and any business that checks identification cards manually or with ID scanners. Whether you’re verifying age to sell alcoholic beverages or confirming identity for a car rental, the fundamentals apply.

Here’s what we’ll cover: first, we’ll define the main types of fake IDs you’ll encounter. Then we’ll walk through a step-by-step visual and tactile inspection process. After that, we’ll examine advanced security features and electronic tools. Finally, we’ll discuss best-practice policies, training programs, and answer frequently asked questions.

The Main Types of Fake IDs You’ll Encounter

A fake ID is any government issued ID or institutional credential that is forged, altered, or misused to misrepresent age or identity. This includes driver’s licenses, passports, state IDs, and even college identification cards. While the term “fake” suggests a complete counterfeit, the reality is more nuanced.

In practice, most frontline staff will deal with three main types: forged cards produced from scratch, legitimate cards used by someone other than the rightful owner, and genuine IDs that have been physically altered. Understanding which type you might be seeing helps you know what red flags to look for. A photo mismatch points toward a borrowed ID, while poor printing quality signals a forgery.

Let’s break down each category: forged fake IDs, borrowed IDs, and altered IDs.

Forged Fake IDs

Forged IDs are fully counterfeit cards designed to imitate state driver’s licenses, passports, or college IDs. These are often ordered online from overseas sellers who advertise “scannable fake IDs” that can pass basic barcode checks. The market for these documents has grown increasingly sophisticated, with some vendors offering cards that include holographic images and magnetic stripe encoding.

Typical characteristics of forged fake IDs include:

• Incorrect card thickness (too thin, too thick, or uneven)
• Off-color backgrounds that don’t match the state’s official design
• Fonts that differ slightly from authentic IDs in size, spacing, or style
• Poor quality printing of the portrait, often appearing washed out or overly saturated
• Spelling errors in city names, state names, or field labels

Many forged IDs now include scannable barcodes and basic hologram imitations, but they often fail under close inspection or UV light. Look for poorly copied REAL ID star symbols or generic state seals that don’t match the actual layout. For high-volume states like California or New York, even subtle differences in color gradients or background patterns can reveal a counterfeit.

Borrowed (Look-Alike) IDs

Borrowed IDs are genuine documents used by someone other than the rightful ID holder. This commonly involves older siblings, roommates, or friends with a similar physical appearance passing their real ID to an underage person. Because the card itself is authentic, all the security features will check out perfectly.

The weak point isn’t the plastic—it’s the person presenting it.

Human-based checks are essential here. Look for:

• Mismatched eye color or hair color compared to what’s printed
• Different jawline, nose shape, or facial structure
• Height discrepancies (the ID says 5’4” but the person is clearly 5’10”)
• Obvious age mismatches (the ID shows 34 years old but the person appears about 19)

Practical verification questions can expose borrowed IDs quickly. Ask the person to state their full address, ZIP code, or middle name without hesitating. Someone using a borrowed ID often memorizes only the birthdate and fumbles on other details. If answers come slowly or incorrectly, that’s a significant red flag.

Altered Genuine IDs

Altered IDs are real government-issued cards whose details have been physically changed. The most common alterations target the date of birth, expiration date, or photo. An underage person might purchase alcohol by changing “2005” to “2000” on their otherwise legitimate license.

Visual signs of an altered ID include:

• Uneven laminate over the birth year or other modified fields
• Pixelated or misaligned numbers that don’t match the rest of the text
• Small bubbles, scratches, or discoloration around the photo window
• Different gloss levels or texture in specific areas of the card

Fraudsters have used various methods over the past decade: sanding down professional grade laminate, reheating the card to separate layers, reprinting overlays, or gluing on new numbers. Any visible tampering to laminate, printing, or surface texture should be treated as a major red flag, even if the rest of the card looks legitimate.

The best bet when you suspect tampering is to compare the card against a known genuine ID from the same state and issue period.

A 5-Step Process to Check for Fake IDs Quickly

Staff at busy bars, convenience stores, or event entrances need a reliable routine they can execute in 10–20 seconds. Here’s a straightforward 5-step process that covers the essentials without slowing down service.

Step 1: Compare the person to the photo. Look at the portrait, then look at the face in front of you. Check bone structure, eye spacing, and nose shape—features that don’t change with haircuts or makeup.

Step 2: Confirm age and dates. Calculate whether the birthdate makes the person legally old enough. Also verify the expiration date hasn’t passed—an expired ID is not valid for age-restricted purchases in most jurisdictions.

Step 3: Inspect card layout and text. Scan for obvious errors like misspellings, misaligned text, or fonts that look different from what you’d expect on a real ID.

Step 4: Check key security features. This includes holograms, tactile features, perforations, and UV imagery. These advanced security features are difficult for counterfeiters to copy accurately.

Step 5: Use a scanner if available. Run the barcode or magnetic stripe through your system to verify the information encoded matches what’s printed.

Consistency is crucial. Everyone on shift should follow the same sequence so nothing gets skipped when lines are long or customers are impatient.

Consider this scenario: at a nightclub in Miami, a door staffer notices the eye color on an ID says “brown” but the person clearly has blue eyes. A quick check of the birth year reveals numbers that appear slightly raised compared to the rest of the card. Combining these observations—a photo mismatch and signs of tampering—the staffer politely declines entry. That’s the 5-step process in action.

Check Holograms and Embedded Images

Genuine U.S. state IDs and most passports use embedded holograms or optically variable images that change appearance when tilted under direct light. These holographic images are produced using specialized equipment that’s extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate with the naked eye indistinguishable quality.

To check holograms properly:

1. Hold the card under a light source
2. Tilt slowly from side to side and up and down
3. Look for crisp, multi-color shifts that match the known pattern for that state

Different states use different designs. Some display repeating state names, while others show emblems, portraits, or geographic outlines. Illinois, for example, uses a distinctive hologram pattern that should change appearance at different angles.

Common fake IDs show flat, silvery stickers that don’t move or change. Holographic images on counterfeits are often too bright, cartoonish, or positioned incorrectly. Staff should avoid scratching at the hologram, but can look closely for edges or peeling that suggest a sticker was applied on top of the card surface.

Examine Laser Embossing and Tactile Features

Laser engraving and tactile printing create raised letters, numbers, or symbols you can feel when running a fingertip across the surface. Most IDs have at least some tactile elements—raised date of birth, signature lines, or embossed state outlines.

Here’s a simple tactile test:

• Close your eyes and run your finger across the card surface
• Check that raised features feel sharp and well-defined
• Note if anything feels rubbery, smudged, or completely flat when it should be raised

Counterfeit cards frequently print these details visually but without the true embossed feel. Some use thick, uneven layers of ink to fake the effect, but the texture is noticeably different from legitimate IDs. If a state’s ID security features include raised elements and the card feels completely smooth, that’s a physical inspection failure.

Scrutinize Laser Perforations

Laser perforations are tiny, clean holes forming shapes or letters that become visible when the card is held up against a bright light source. These perforations form specific images—often the state outline or initials—and are extremely difficult to counterfeit without industrial equipment.

To check perforations:

1. Hold the ID in front of a phone flashlight or overhead light
2. Look for a consistent, sharp pattern visible from both sides
3. Verify the design matches what the state’s ID should display

On genuine cards, the holes are evenly spaced and don’t distort the surrounding printed design. Fake IDs may show uneven, ragged, or misaligned perforations. Some counterfeits omit perforations entirely, which is an immediate giveaway if the real state ID should have them.

Not every state uses perforations. Staff should know what their own state’s current IDs are supposed to have, especially designs issued after 2018.

Use UV Light to Reveal Hidden Imagery

Many modern IDs contain ultraviolet (UV) inks and patterns only visible under a UV flashlight or bar scanner with built-in blacklight. This UV imagery is one of the most effective tools for detecting fake IDs because it’s rarely replicated correctly.

Simple procedure for UV checks:

1. Turn off or dim nearby lights if possible
2. Shine a small 365–395 nm UV torch on the card
3. Look for bright images like state seals, secondary portraits, or repeated text

Genuine UV features show fine, detailed designs that match reference samples. Fake IDs may show no reaction under UV light at all, or display blurry, incorrect, or over-bright blocks of color instead of precise patterns.

Certain California and New York licenses, for example, display a lighter image ghost portrait and state-specific symbols under UV that counterfeiters frequently get wrong. Investing in a quality UV light for your entrance or register pays dividends in catching common fake IDs.

Inspect Laminate Quality and Card Construction

Authentic IDs are produced on durable, multi-layer plastic with a secure laminate fused to the card body—not a simple sticker applied on top. The construction quality of real IDs is remarkably consistent, while fakes and altered IDs often show telltale flaws.

Check for these signs:

A practical tip: gently flex the ID. A genuine driver’s license should bend smoothly and return to its original shape. Cheap fakes may feel brittle, too rubbery, or separate at the layers when flexed. Whenever possible, compare suspicious cards to a known genuine ID from the same state and issue period.

Behavioral and Information Checks That Catch Borrowed IDs

Security features alone don’t catch borrowed IDs because the card itself is completely real. Staff must also evaluate the person presenting it through behavioral observation and targeted questions.

Watch for these demeanor signals:

• Unusual nervousness or fidgeting
• Avoiding eye contact when handing over the ID
• Rushing the interaction or getting impatient quickly
• Over-explaining details without being asked

Concrete verification questions help expose impostors. Ask for the ZIP code on the ID, the exact birth date including the year, middle name spelling, or a previous address if the ID shows an older issue date. Someone using their own legitimate ID answers these without hesitation. Someone using a false identity often stumbles.

Physical description verification matters too. Compare the printed height and eye color to the person in front of you. Look for obvious age mismatches—if the ID claims someone is 34 but they appear barely out of high school, that demands closer scrutiny.

Throughout this process, stay professional and non-confrontational. If answers don’t match the ID or something feels off, you’re justified in declining to verify identity. Document what happened according to your company policy and consider alerting local law enforcement if the situation warrants it.

Using ID Scanners and Technology to Check Fake IDs

Many businesses now use electronic ID scanners at doors, checkout counters, and hotel front desks to speed up age verification and reduce human error. These devices can verify identity by reading barcodes, magnetic stripes, or chips, then checking that the information encoded matches what’s printed on the card.

D scanners have become increasingly sophisticated, with some systems cross-referencing against external databases or checking ID’s barcode syntax against known state formats. However, while scanners are powerful tools, they’re not infallible. Some advanced technology fake IDs can still scan correctly, which is why combined manual and electronic checks remain the gold standard to prevent fraud.

How ID Scanners Help Detect Fake IDs

ID scanners capture data from a 2D barcode or magnetic stripe and instantly compare it to expected state-specific formats. The device parses the information encoded in the barcode—name, address, date of birth, expiration date, ID number—and checks for internal consistency.

Many scanners flag common problems such as:

• Invalid date formats that don’t match state standards
• Impossible birthdates (like February 30)
• Name fields with suspicious characters or formatting
• Barcodes that fail to decode entirely
• Expiration date inconsistencies

Some systems used in 2024–2025, particularly in banking, car rentals, and gambling, also check IDs against watchlists or government records where legally permitted. This adds another layer to verify the ID’s authenticity beyond just format checking.

Consider this scenario: a liquor store in Denver scans an out-of-state license. The scanner returns an on-screen warning about invalid barcode structure—the encoded state code doesn’t match the visual state printed on the card. That’s a clear signal to deny the purchase alcohol request and examine the ID more closely.

Limitations of Scanners (and Why Manual Checks Still Matter)

High-quality counterfeiters now generate barcodes that pass basic syntax checks. A scannable fake ID might encode perfectly valid data that matches what’s printed, but the physical card could still show obvious signs of counterfeiting under close inspection.

Key scanner limitations include:

A “PASS” message on a simple age-verification scanner only confirms the birthdate decodes as over the legal age. It does not guarantee the card is genuine or that the person is the ID holder. To identify fake IDs effectively, staff must combine scanning with visual and behavioral checks.

Best Practices for Integrating Scanners Into Your Workflow

The most effective workflow combines human judgment with electronic verification:

1. First: Visually inspect the card and person using the 5-step process
2. Then: Scan the ID to verify barcode data
3. Finally: Resolve any conflicts by asking verification questions

Create written procedures for staff that cover what to do when the scanner rejects an ID but the card looks fine—or the opposite, when a suspicious-looking card scans successfully. Both scenarios require human decision-making.

Data privacy matters too. Only store ID data if legally required or explicitly permitted in your jurisdiction. Inform customers when false information is being captured electronically, as required by many state laws.

Training sessions where staff practice scanning real IDs and test samples help everyone learn how the system flags problems. This builds confidence and ensures compliance when things get busy.

Practical Red Flags and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many fake IDs are caught by simple, consistent checks. Most mistakes arise from rushing or skipping the basics during high-volume periods.

Physical red flags to watch for:

• Spelling errors in state names, city names, or field labels
• Misaligned text that doesn’t line up with card edges
• Mismatched fonts between different fields on the same card
• Wrong issue or expiration patterns for that state’s ID
• Colors that seem off compared to authentic IDs you’ve seen
• Missing or incorrect state’s ID security features

Experiential red flags:

• Customers who pressure staff to hurry (“I’m in a rush, just scan it”)
• Aggressive arguments when asked basic verification questions
• Refusal to let staff hold the ID properly for inspection
• Offering plausible deniability statements (“My friend made this as a joke”)
• Attempting to gain access by distraction or flattery

Common staff mistakes:

• Only glancing at the birth year without doing full checks
• Ignoring the photo comparison entirely
• Never using available UV lights or reference guides
• Assuming out-of-state IDs are harder to verify (they’re not with proper tools)
• Waving through good fake IDs because the line is long

Remember: it’s always acceptable to refuse service if there’s reasonable doubt about an ID’s legitimacy. Following local laws and company policy protects both you and the business from legal consequences, including potential jail time for serving an underage person or losing your liquor license.

Building a Fake-ID-Resistant Policy and Training Program

Strong written policies and regular training reduce legal risk and make staff more confident when rejecting doubtful IDs. A clear policy removes ambiguity and provides legal protection during ID fraud cases or regulatory investigations.

Essential policy elements:

• Which IDs are accepted (current U.S. driver’s licenses, passports, military IDs)
• Minimum age requirements by product or service
• Required verification steps staff must follow
• Escalation procedures for uncertain situations
• Documentation requirements for refused IDs
• Guidance on when to contact local law enforcement

Schedule periodic training sessions, especially before high-risk periods like college orientation weeks, spring break, and major holidays. New staff should receive comprehensive training before working independently on age verification.

Simple tools businesses can provide:

Managers should document incidents where fake IDs are refused, including date, time, physical description of the person, and what triggered the refusal. This documentation demonstrates good faith efforts to ensure compliance if regulators investigate or if ID fraud cases arise.

Training isn’t a one-time event. Fraudsters constantly evolve their techniques, so your team’s knowledge must evolve too.

FAQ: How to Check Fake IDs

Is it legal to confiscate a fake ID?

Rules vary significantly by state and country. In some jurisdictions, businesses can retain suspicious IDs and turn them over to law enforcement. In others, confiscation by private parties is prohibited. The safest approach is to follow your local law and company policy rather than improvising. When in doubt, decline the transaction and let the person leave with their ID, then report the incident to local law enforcement.

What is the most reliable single thing to check on an ID?

There is no perfect single check. However, matching the person to the photo while simultaneously verifying key security features offers the most reliable combination. A forged ID might have a perfect photo but fail on holograms; a borrowed ID has perfect security features but fails the photo match. Layering multiple checks catches what any single check might miss.

How often do states change their ID designs?

Most states update their driver’s license designs every 5–10 years, or after major security updates like the REAL ID rollout. However, older valid IDs remain in circulation until they expire. This means staff may encounter three or four design generations from a single state at any given time. Always keep reference materials current and update them whenever you learn of new designs.

What should I do if I’m still unsure about an ID?

Politely decline the sale or entry. You can say something like, “I’m not able to accept this ID today—it’s our policy when we’re uncertain.” Follow your company’s escalation procedures, which might include calling a manager or documenting the incident. Avoid confronting the customer aggressively or accusing them directly of presenting a false identity. Your job is to verify, not to prosecute.

Can someone face legal consequences for using a fake ID?

Yes. Using forged fake IDs, borrowed IDs, or altered IDs to misrepresent age or identity is illegal in all U.S. states and most countries. Penalties range from fines to jail time, depending on jurisdiction and circumstances. For minors, consequences might include license suspension and mandatory programs. For adults, identity theft charges can apply. Businesses that knowingly accept fake IDs also face penalties, including loss of their liquor license and substantial fines.