How to Spot Fake IDs and Prevent Underage Drinking

Whether you’re working behind a bar, serving tables, or hosting, one responsibility you cannot take lightly is your work to prevent underage drinking. Checking IDs is a non-negotiable duty whether you’re working behind a bar, serving tables, or hosting. Ensuring that you do this thoroughly and accurately can prevent a major problem: underage drinking. Not only is it illegal to serve minors, but it can also result in costly fines, alcohol license suspensions, and irreversible damage to your establishment’s reputation.

So how do you stay sharp and spot fake IDs without making it awkward? Here’s a go-to guide for catching fake IDs and confidently handling underage drinking situations in your establishment. 

Know the Law

In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21. State laws can vary regarding acceptable forms of ID, penalties, and where minors can and cannot be present in bars or restaurants serving alcohol. Take a few minutes every once in a while to familiarize yourself with local laws – it could save your job and your establishment’s license.

Common Indicators of Fake IDs

Most fake IDs are not sophisticated enough to fool a well-trained eye. Here are some things you should look for!

• Poor Quality Printing: Blurry text, uneven coloring, and different fonts
• Missing Holograms or Security Features: Legitimate IDs have holograms that shimmer or change when tilted in the light
• Font Size and Spacing Issues: Inconsistencies in letter spacing, alignment, and font size
• Laminate Bubbles or Peeling Edges: Real IDs will not peel or have obvious tampering as a whole
• Photos: Don’t be afraid to ask the guest to remove their hat or glasses to compare
• Inaccurate Information: Check height, DOB, and weight – does it make sense for the person in front of you?

Ways to Effectively Check an ID (FLAG)

• F – FEEL
  • Physically hold and feel the ID
  • Things to feel for: lumps, bumps, and creases on the surface
  • The ID should not be able to be peeled apart
  • Is the ID too thick or too thin?
• L – LOOK
  • Look at the overall appearance of the ID
  • Things to look for: Expiration date, security features (hologram and CA images), types and colors of fonts
  • Compare the photograph, physical description, and birthdate on the ID to the person in front of you – does it make sense?
• A – ASK
  • Asking questions can aid in helping you figure out whether or not the ID is fake. Here are some things to ask the ID holder:
    • What’s your Driver’s License Number?
    • What’s your Zip Code?
    • What month were you born in? – This is to see if they only memorized the number of the month, or if they know the actual month itself.
  • You can also ask clarifying questions like – “Can I see another piece of ID with your name on it?”
• G – GET OR GIVE
  • If the ID passes the feel, look, and ask tests, give it back to the ID holder and make the sale. If it doesn’t, refuse the sale.
  • If it doesn’t pass, you can give the ID back or seize it. If you seize it, do the following:
    • Issue a receipt to the ID holder
    • Give the ID to your local police department no later than 24 hours after seizing the ID

California IDs: Specific Features to Look For

It may be helpful, if you’re serving in California, to know what features on an ID deem it legit and how to spot them quicker.

• Vertical format for those under 21
• Horizontal format for those over 21
• Real ID: California IDs will have a gold bear with a star at the top right corner indicating REAL ID compliance
• UV Features: ghost image of ID holder photo and additional seals
• Raised Text: Birthdate and ID numbers should be raised
• Date Format: MM/DD/YYYY

What to Do if You Suspect a Fake ID:

It’s important to know how to calmly and professionally handle finding a fake ID. Here are some tips and tricks:

• Polite, but firm: “I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this ID.”
• Don’t accuse the ID holder: Don’t say: “This is fake.” Instead, say: “This ID does not appear to be valid.”
• Refuse service: In California, you’re legally required to deny alcohol service if the ID is not valid.
• Inform your manager and other staff

If You Discover Someone Has Been Drinking Underage

• Stop serving them immediately
• Notify your manager and other staff, but do it discreetly!
• Document the situation
• Don’t create a scene – Stay calm. This protects everyone, including you.

Noticing fake IDs and managing a compliant establishment isn’t about policing fun – it’s about keeping your workplace safe and legal for everyone. Even experienced servers can get complacent, so regular training sessions on alcohol compliance and spotting fake IDs can keep you and your staff sharp. A confident and respectful approach ensures you’re doing a job well done while maintaining top-tier customer service. Trust your instincts, follow what you know, and when in doubt, ask for backup.