ID Barcode: Why It's Not Enough for Verification
Posted on: June 10th, 2015
Updated on: May 15th, 2025
Many people assume that scanning the barcode on a driver's license or ID card is a foolproof way to verify someone's identity. After all, if the barcode matches the information on the front of the card, it must be real—right?
Not so fast, says David Myers, a forensic science and security expert. While it's common to scan barcodes as a quick way to gather ID information, the ID barcode itself is not a reliable security feature. In fact, relying on it alone can be risky.
What Is an ID Barcode?
On U.S. and Canadian driver's licenses and ID cards, you'll typically find a PDF417 barcode on the back of the card. This type of 2D barcode is standardized across all states and provinces and is designed to hold a significant amount of barcode data.
Mandatory data fields usually include:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- License number
- License issue and expiration dates
Optional fields can include:
- Hair color
- Eye color
- Race
- Place of birth
At first glance, this system seems secure. However, the information in the barcode simply mirrors what's printed on the front of the card—and that's where the trouble begins.
The Problem with Scanning Barcodes Alone
Although the barcode contains detailed data, it's not protected in any meaningful way. Counterfeiters have learned how to manipulate barcode data to match the false information shown on the front of a fake ID. Once they understand the barcode types used by each state and how those states organize their data, creating realistic fakes becomes much easier.
For example, a counterfeit ID may have a visually convincing front and a scannable PDF417 barcode that perfectly matches the forged personal information. If you only scan the barcode and compare the results to the printed card, everything may appear legitimate—even when it's not.
This makes ID barcodes inherently vulnerable. The presence of a barcode doesn't guarantee authenticity. In fact, many fake IDs today include well-crafted barcodes specifically designed to deceive.
QR Codes and Other Barcode Types
You may be familiar with QR codes, another form of 2D barcode commonly used in marketing, contactless payments, and event tickets. Unlike PDF417 barcodes, QR codes are not standardized for government-issued ID cards in North America and typically aren't used on driver's licenses.
Both QR codes and PDF417 barcodes can contain large amounts of information, but neither is immune to manipulation. Barcode technology—no matter the type—is not a stand-alone security solution when it comes to authenticating identity.
So, What Does Work?
While barcodes are useful for retrieving license information quickly, they should never be the sole method of verification. Instead, professionals responsible for ID checks—whether in law enforcement, retail, finance, or access control—should be trained to look for visible, physical security features built into the card itself.
Some of the more advanced, harder-to-fake features include:
- Microprinting – Tiny text only visible under magnification
- UV imaging – Designs only visible under ultraviolet light
- Ghost images – Secondary images overlaid with transparent elements
- Optical variable ink – Ink that changes color when tilted
These elements are difficult and expensive to duplicate, providing a much more trustworthy method of authentication than a barcode.
Use an I.D. Checking Guide for Reliable Verification
One of the most effective ways to detect fraudulent IDs is by using a professionally designed reference tool like the I.D. Checking Guide. This trusted resource provides detailed images of every valid U.S. state and Canadian province ID, along with a breakdown of key features—both front and back.
The I.D. Checking Guide doesn't just tell you what the barcode should say—it shows you what the ID should actually look and feel like. With insights into barcode data formatting and visual security elements, it becomes much easier to spot inconsistencies and avoid falling for a high-quality fake.
Whether you're trying to prevent underage drinking, reduce financial fraud, or enhance facility access control, the I.D. Checking Guide helps ensure your team isn't relying on barcodes alone.
Final Thoughts
While it's tempting to trust what a barcode scan reveals, ID barcodes are not designed to confirm authenticity—they're simply one way to store and retrieve data. Scanning barcodes alone will not protect you from counterfeits.
That's why professionals across industries rely on the I.D. Checking Guide. With more than 50 years of proven use, it remains one of the most reliable, low-cost solutions for stopping ID fraud at the source—by giving you the tools to verify what barcodes can't.
