How to Check ID for Alcohol
Posted on: May 4th, 2025
Buying alcohol comes with strict laws to prevent sales to underage individuals. Whether you work at a bar, restaurant, liquor store, or deliver alcohol, knowing how to check ID properly is essential. Not verifying an ID can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and even jail time for selling alcohol to minors.
This guide will teach you how to spot a valid ID, recognize security features, and identify whether an ID is fake.
Why Checking ID for Alcohol is Important
Ensuring that alcohol is sold only to individuals of legal drinking age is not just a responsibility—it is a legal requirement. The sale of alcohol to minors is a serious violation that can result in severe penalties for businesses and individuals alike. If an underage person is caught in possession of alcohol, law enforcement will investigate its origin, and if it is traced back to your establishment, you may be held accountable.
Failure to properly check ID can lead to significant consequences, including:
- Substantial Fines: Violations of alcohol laws can result in financial penalties ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on state and local regulations.
- Criminal Charges and Jail Time: Repeat offenses or deliberate negligence in checking IDs can lead to criminal charges, potentially resulting in jail time.
- Revocation of Liquor License: Losing the ability to legally sell alcohol can be devastating for a business, leading to revenue loss and potential closure.
- Legal Liability and Lawsuits: If an underage individual consumes alcohol and subsequently causes harm to themselves or others, the business that sold the alcohol may be held legally responsible, leading to costly lawsuits.
By implementing strict ID verification procedures, businesses can safeguard their operations, comply with alcohol regulations, and contribute to public safety. Ensuring that every customer provides a valid ID when purchasing alcohol is a fundamental step in preventing underage drinking and maintaining legal compliance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking an ID
Follow these steps to ensure an ID is valid and not a fake ID.
1. Look at the ID Photo
Check that the ID photo matches the person standing in front of you. If they look significantly different, ask for a second form of ID. Some fake IDs use outdated photos or pictures of someone else.
2. Check the Birthdate
Make sure the customer is 21 or older. Use a date calculator if necessary, or check for underage marking (many states put a special label on IDs for those under 21).
3. Feel the ID
A real ID has a specific texture and thickness. Run your fingers over it–does it feel too smooth or flimsy? It might be fake. Is the surface peeling or bubbling? That could mean it has been altered.
4. Look for Security Features
Most IDs have built-in security features to prevent forgery. Common ones include holograms that shift when tilted, microprinting (tiny words that are difficult to fake), UV features visible under a blacklight, or raised lettering or embossing. If an ID is missing these features, it's likely fake.
5. Check for Tampering
Some people modify real IDs by changing the birthdate. Look for signs of tampering with numbers that look uneven or scratched, a date that doesn't match the font of the rest of the ID, or an altered expiration date.
6. Confirm the Expiration Date
An expired ID is not valid. If the expiration date has passed, the ID should not be accepted.
7. Compare with a Reference Guide
If you're unsure whether an ID is real, use an official ID reference guide like the I.D. Checking Guide (U.S. & Canada). This guide lists all official security features for every state's ID, making it easy to identify fake IDs.
Common Signs of a Fake ID
If you notice any of these red flags, the ID is fake:
- Blurry or Altered Photo: The ID photo should be clear and match the person presenting it. If it appears smudged, blurry, or pasted on, it is likely fake.
- Lack of Official Security Features: A legitimate ID includes holograms, UV markings, microprinting, and raised text. If these are missing or appear printed on instead of embedded in the card, the ID is likely fraudulent.
- Poor Print Quality or Odd Font Styles: Fake IDs often have inconsistent fonts, faded ink, or colors that don't match official state-issued IDs.
- Edges That Are Peeling or Feel Off: A real ID is made from high-quality materials. If the edges of an ID feel flimsy, laminated, or appear to be coming apart, it could be fake.
- Incorrect Card Dimensions or Weight: Every state has a standard size and thickness for its IDs. If an ID feels too light, too thick, or overly flexible, it may be counterfeit.
- Mismatch Between ID and Person Presenting It: If the person's facial features, height, or eye color don't match the details on the ID, they could be using someone else's identification.
If you suspect an ID is fake, do not accept it. If necessary, notify law enforcement and follow your establishment's policy for handling fraudulent IDs.
What to Do if Someone Presents a Fake ID
If you think an ID is fake, follow these steps:
- Remain calm and professional.
- Do not accuse the person directly. Simply say, "I can't accept this ID."
- Refuse to complete the alcohol sale.
- Report the incident if required by your workplace.
- Do not return the fake ID if your state's laws require you to confiscate it.
FAQs About Checking IDs for Alcohol
1. What happens if I accidentally sell alcohol to a minor?
You could face fines, jail time, and loss of your liquor license. Always carefully check ID to avoid this mistake.
2. How can I tell if an ID is real?
Check for security features like holograms, microprinting, and raised lettering. Compare the ID photo with the person's face and feel the ID for any abnormalities.
3. Can I get in trouble for refusing an ID?
No, you have the right to refuse an ID if you believe it is fake or invalid. If a customer insists, you can call a manager for support.
4. What if someone presents an expired ID?
An expired ID is not valid for alcohol purchases. Always check the expiration date before completing a sale.
5. Where can I find a guide to help me identify fake IDs?
The I.D. Checking Guide (U.S. & Canada) is the best resource for spotting fake IDs. It includes up-to-date information on IDs from all 50 states and Canada.
Ensure You're Always Checking IDs Correctly
Properly checking IDs protects your business and helps prevent underage drinking. The best way to stay updated is by using a trusted ID reference like the I.D. Checking Guide (U.S. & Canada). It lists all the security features and details of every state and Canadian ID, helping businesses quickly and easily identify fake IDs.
Order your copies today and make sure you and your employees stay compliant with alcohol laws!
