Today’s I.D. Security Features – Many Levels
Posted on: October 25th, 2017
Let’s take a few moments to see how basic knowledge of document security features can dramatically improve our success in validating a document.
KANSAS
Knowledge of the basic security features of each license format permits improved document verification. For example, when checking a new Kansas ID card or driver’s license:
LASER PERFORATION: Holes made with a laser beam to form images or objects. The Kansas license shows the shape of a turtle. (Procedure: hold the license up to the light: laser perforation is on front of the license, at upper right, and is visible on the back of license, too.)
MICROPRINTING: Miniature lettering is incorporated into fine-line backgrounds or placed to appear as bold lines at a scale that requires magnification to read with the naked eye. To the unaided eye, the text may appear as a solid line when not under magnification. Counterfeiters may have difficulty duplicating the letters, or may overlook the existence of the microprinting. (Procedure: use of a 10X magnifier or greater.)
NEW PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD
Multiple, sophisticated security features are built into the new Permanent Resident Card, and two of the quickest security features to check are the following:
Front: Three transparent star-shaped windows of different sizes are at the upper left of the new Permanent Resident Card. TRANSPARENT IMAGE/OPTICAL WINDOW: See-through, window-like feature visible from front and back of the document. Across the stars, PERSONAL TACTILE ARTISTIC TEXT appears. Additional security appears within one or more of the star windows. (Procedure: hold to light source; see-through from both sides.)
Back: To the right of the licensee’s photo, security feature of a HOLOGRAM WITH OPTICAL VARIABLE LASER IMAGE that varies with the angle of viewing and light source. (Procedure: hold license and shift angle of viewing to confirm the security feature.)
INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENT SECURITY
Many countries have contracted with license and identity card manufacturers to create modern documents with full security protection. That includes some third-world countries that are attempting to properly identify their population for voting and other purposes.
IDENTITY CARD OF THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA
Austria has had a sophisticated Identity Card for many years, and an example of the features that one finds internationally is the following:
LASER ETCHING WITH LASER SHIFTING IMAGE: Laser creates a raised surface on one side of the card, tactile feel to the touch, and a shifting image “2010” in this case. Also note laser etched lettering that does not appear on the back of the license. (Procedure: Shift the card in appropriate light source; tactile to the touch.)
CONCLUSION
In validation efforts using security features, knowledge and proper location of the visible and difficult-to-counterfeit security aspects are the key to success.
