checking calif id

1. CHECKING CALIFORNIA IDS
A brief manual on checking the authenticity of Californian IDs
2008
Writting120TW
By Stefan Kovalik

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T ABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents 2
About this Manual 3
 Text to look for 3
 Disclaimer 3
Chapter 1 4
 Reasons to Check IDs 4
Fraud 4
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 4
Chapter 2 5
 Parts to a California ID 5
Chapter 3 6
 How to Check California IDs 6
Required Materials 6
 Step 1—Observe 6
Common outward behaviors to look for 6
Non-verbal and involuntary cues 7
 Step 2—Ask “how old are you?” 8
 Step 3—Really Look at the Person Presenting ID 8
Features you should always check 8
 Step 4—Feel 9
 Step 5—Look 9
 Step 6—Ask Questions 11
 Step 7—Give back 11
Chapter 4 12
 What to do when an ID is Invalid 12
Final Thoughts 12
List of Tables
Table 1-1 The ABC in Detail 4
Table 2-1 California ID Features 5
Table 3-1 Non-Verbal Cues 7
Table 3-2 What to Feel for 9
Table 3-3 What to Look for 10
Table 4-1 What to do When the ID is Invalid 12
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 ID Breakdown 5

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CHECKING CALIFORNIA IDS
A brief manual on checking the authenticity of Californian IDs
A BOUT THIS M ANUAL
This manual explains, step by step, how to thoroughly check the validity California
identification cards. There are 4 chapters in this manual. Below, briefly describes each
chapter:
Chapter 1—Reasons to Check IDs
This chapter is a brief overview of why it is necessary to check IDs. This chapter includes a small
overview of the California Alcoholic Beverage Control agency.
Chapter 2—Parts to a California ID
This chapter displays each part of a California ID, and provides a reference diagram for each step
within chapter 3.
Chapter 3—How to Check California IDs
This chapter provides a comprehensive method of checking IDs using the F-L-A-G system (Feel,
look, ask questions, give back).
Chapter 4—What to do When an ID is Invalid
This chapter provides a brief overview on what to do when an ID is found to be invalid.
T EXT TO LOOK FOR
The following are examples of text formats used to emphasize content within this manual:
 Important Notice: These orange comments provide important information regarding a related
topic.
 TABLE/FIGURE REFERENCE
 STEP INDICATOR—TELLS YOU WHEN TO GO TO THE NEXT STEP
 HELPFUL TIP: RELATED TOPIC INFORMATION
D ISCLAIMER
The following material is based on the opinion, and experiences of the writer. The content of this
manual is not endorsed by the state of California, or California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control, and
therefore cannot be used as a credible source. This manual was created for a class assignment,
and cannot be used as a reference for checking IDs. This manual’s purpose is to demonstrate the
writer’s technical writing ability. Credible ID checking manuals do exist and are available for
purchase—please consult your state’s department of motor vehicles for more information.

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C HAPTER 1
R EASONS TO C HECK ID S
The two major reasons to check IDs are fraud, and California’s 1995 amendment to the
Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. The following information explains each reason.
 F RAUD
Fraud can be eliminated, along with its monetary ramifications, if proper verification
techniques are used when presented with an ID. If a person is able to use fraudulent ID
to purchase goods or register for services, liability problems occur when the fraud is
detected. To avoid monetary losses, or property losses, have a person’s ID verified
before using their credit card or registering for any service or product.
 T HE D EPARTMENT OF A LCOHOLIC B EVERAGE C ONTROL
Every state, within the United States of America, requires that alcohol is only served to
people of twenty-one years of age or older. The rules are no different in California, but
the way the rules are enforced are. California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act has
provisions enforced by California’s department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). If
any provisions under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act are not adhered to, within the
context of an establishment’s liquor license, a liquor license can be suspended or
revoked. The following table, table 1-1 describes the three elements within California’s
ABC.
 TABLE 1-1 THE ABC IN DETAIL
ABC Element Element Description
Administration 24 offices staffed by Investigators, Licensing Representatives and clerical/technical support personnel.
Investigators and/or Licensing Representatives investigate applications for liquor licenses and where the
Licensing
liquor license will be used.
ABC investigators are able to investigate and make arrests for violations that occur on or about a licensed
Compliance
establishment.
 Important Notice: ABC Investigators are peace officers under Section 830.2 of the California Penal Code
 HELPFUL TIP: LIQUOR LICENSE POINT SYSTEM
Each liquor license operates under a three point system:
A license is issued with no points on it
When an infraction is committed, one point is added to the license and a fine is given
When a second infraction is committed, a second point is added, a larger fine is given, and the
license is suspended for a short period of time
When a third infraction is committed, the license is removed.

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C HAPTER 2
P ARTS TO A C ALIFORNIA ID
The following table and figure are intended to be used as a reference for steps
discussed in chapter 3. Use this page as a reference.
 TABLE 2-1 CALIFORNIA ID FEATURES
California ID Features Used in Step On Page
1. Microprint The letters DMV are micro printed on the top line of DMV 5 10
2. ID Type Identification card or drivers license label 3 8
3. Address The postal address of the ID owner 3 8
4. Logo Safety Feature Intentional logo print error 5 10
5. Physical Description The physical description of the ID owner 5 10
6. Birth Date The birth date of the ID owner 5 10
7. Hologram and Age Reference California’s flag printed in ultra violet ink and quick age reference 5 10
8. Signature Signature of the ID owner 5 10
9. Manufacture Date Manufacture date of the ID 5 10
10. Verification Feature Numbers that correspond with the expiration date 5 10
11. Second Photo A resized image of the original portrait picture 5 10
12. Person Portrait Portrait picture of the ID owner 5 10
13. Expiration Date Expiration date of the card 5 10
14. Card Shape Unique shape of the ID 4 9
15. Magnetic Strip Digital data storage, magnetic strip 4 9
16. Magnetic Strip Shape Magnetic strip shape 4 9
17. Intentional Errors Intentionally printed text errors 5 10
18. Barcode Verification Barcode pattern verification 5 10
19. Course Texture Area to write an address change 4 9
 FIGURE 2-1 ID BREAKDOWN
 HELPFUL TIP: LEGALLY ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION
According to the ABC, acceptable ID must adhere to the following list:
Be issued by a government agency
Have the name, date of birth, a psychical description, and a photograph of the person presenting it
Cannot be expired

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C HAPTER 3
H OW TO C HECK C ALIFORNIA ID S
The following steps offer a comprehensive method of checking IDs. Steps 1 through 3
describe fraud detection methods used before checking an ID. Steps 4 through # are
based off the F-L-A-G system (Feel, look ask questions, give back), and instruct on
various ID verification methods. The “Give back” portion of the F-L-A-G system is
discussed in chapter 4.
 Important Notice: If an ID is found to be fake, invalid, or fraudulent during any step listed below,
proceed to chapter 4 for instructions on what to do.
 R EQUIRED M ATERIALS
The following are required to properly verify a California ID:
A flash light
A ultra violet light
 Optional materials:
A magnetic card strip reader
An ID checking manual for reference
 CONTINUE TO STEP 1
S TEP 1—O BSERVE
Make sure you observe the person who is presenting you the ID—the majority of
invalid IDs, presented by people, are real IDs that belong to someone else. Before
checking the ID itself, it is important to observe behaviors people perform while
attempting to use an invalid ID. Below are two guidelines on observing a person’s
behavior in regards to validating IDs. The first list is a quick reference, and the second
list is an elaborated description of non-verbal cues to observe. Use these guidelines to
observe behavior, because they are good signs to determine weather a person is lying
or not.
 C OMMON OUTWARD BEHAVI ORS TO LOOK FOR
People who are trying to use an invalid ID often perform the following behaviors:
Will attempt to not make eye contact
Will attempt to engage in conversation
Will seem uncaring when their ID is carefully inspected
Will repeat questions asked before responding
Will take longer to respond to personal questions (When did you Graduate?)
Will become hostile about being questioned
 YOU MAY CONTINUE TO STEP 2
 OR CONTINUE TO THE SECOND TOPIC IN STEP 1

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 N ON - VERBAL AND I NVOLUNTARY CUES
Observe body language throughout each step in this manual—Non-verbal cues can be
a good indicator of a person’s intention, and more importantly, these cues can also
indicate dishonesty. Most people are unaware of the non-verbal cues they perform
while lying, fortunately, these non-verbal cues are observable. Table 3-1, below, is a list
of non-verbal cues that should be observed, and considered, throughout every step in
this manual.
 Important Notice: The cues, and indications, listed below are not definitive tests; they are only
observational guidelines to consider before, and during ID checking.
 TABLE 3-1 NON-VERBAL CUES
Non-Verbal Cue Cue to Observe Indications
Voice Frequency Increasing pitch (frequency), while talking An increasing pitch is indicative of someone telling a lie
Voice Amplitude Increasing volume, (amplitude), while talking An increasing volume is indicative of someone telling a lie
Duration Contrasting syllabic duration (time between
Longer syllabic durations is indicative of someone telling a lie
Between Syllables syllables and words spoken).
Looking up and to the right is a cue many law enforcement
Looking up and to the right
agencies consider to be indicative of someone telling a lie
A person actively not making eye contact, while speaking with you,
Eye Movement Not making Eye contact
is indicative of someone telling a lie
A person making constant eye contact is indicative of someone
Too much Eye contact
telling a lie
A person making repetitive hand gestures, or repetitive habitual
Hand Gestures Repetitive, and habitual-like hand gestures gestures (such as nail biting or knuckle cracking), are indicative of
someone telling a lie
A person with a slouching posture is indicative of someone who
Slouching posture
might not be confident about a lie
Repetitive motions, such as foot tapping or massaging arms, can
Repetitive motions
be indicative of someone who is nervous and possible lying
Body Movements Reluctance, and concealment of personal
A person who is reluctant, in regards to body movement or while
effects (wallet, purse), while retrieving
presenting an ID, is indicative of someone who might be lying
identification
A person who is overconfident, when presenting their ID, might be
Overconfidence
indicative of someone who might be lying
A person who genuinely smiles is unable to prevent muscles
Smiling without the proper facial muscles
around the eyes from contracting, a person who is not genuinely
corresponding
Facial Movements smiling does not usually contract these eye muscles
Concern or anxiety while the ID presented is A person who appears overly concerned or anxious ,while there
being checked presented ID is checked, is indicative of someone who is lying
If a person’s breathing rate increases, it can be indicative of
Breathing Rate An increase in breathing rate
someone who is lying
Consider the above list before, during, and after checking a person’s ID.
 CONTINUE TO STEP 2

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S TEP 2—A SK “ HOW OLD ARE YOU ?”
Before taking the ID, ask how old the person is—the ABC and local law enforcement
agencies run undercover programs designed to catch establishments, with liquor
licenses, serving alcoholic beverages to minors. The undercover program recruits must
be under 20 years old, look under 21 years old, and must carry their real identification
with them. Undercover officers are legally required to state their real age. When
undercover recruits attempt to purchase alcohol with an invalid ID and succeed, the
establishment’s liquor license is suspended or revoked.
 HELPFUL TIP: UNDERCOVER OFFICERS
Some actions undercover officers perform when enforcing liquor laws:
Recruits, under the age of 21, present fake or false ID to be verified
Officers look for minors, within the establishment, drinking alcoholic beverages
Officers look for patrons who are over-intoxicated that are still served alcohol
 CONTINUE TO STEP 3
S TEP 3—R EALLY L OOK AT THE P ERSON P RESENTING ID
Look at the person, then look at their ID—try to keep a mental representation of the
person in your head before you check this ID. When this is done, the ID is not used as a
reference point when comparing photos and physical attributes—the person is. You
want to make sure the person presenting you the ID is the same person described on
the ID.
 F EATURES YOU SHOU LD A LWAYS CHECK
Below is a short list of features to carefully observe and later compare to an ID:
Hairline and Forehead
Eyebrows
Eyes size, color (look for contacts), and shape
Ear height in relation to eye location
Nose and nostril shape
Lips and smile
Height and weight
 TABLE REFERENCE 2-1: CALIFORNIA ID FEATURE NUMBER 2—ID TYPE
California ID feature number 2, respectively displayed in table 2-1 and figure 2-1, refers to the card type.
 There are three types of California IDs:
 Identification cards—“IDENTIFICATION CARD” is displayed in green letters
 Drivers Licenses—“DRIVERS LICENSE” is displayed in blue letters
 Commercial Drivers License—“COMMERICAL DRIVERS LICENSE” is printed in dark red letters
 CONTINUE TO STEP 4

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S TEP 4—F EEL
The F in F-L-A-G stands for feel. A fake ID is easy to catch if you know what to feel for.
California IDs have a very unique manufacture process that is nearly impossible to
precisely duplicate. For this reason, many fake IDs feel different because they are made
with different materials and methods. The following table is a list of steps to take when
verifying the feel of an ID. Perform each verification method listed in table 3-2.
 TABLE 3-2 WHAT TO FEEL FOR
What to feel for How to verify
Feel for information cut or pasted on, especially near the photo and birth date. Minors will often
modify real, or fake, IDs by placing their photo and information on the card then laminating over it.
Lumps and Bumps Cards with unofficial laminations or altered laminations are not valid. An area on the back,
R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 1 9 , is slightly course. Fake IDs do not usually have this
course texture on the back.
Real California IDs are made in three layers. The layers are bonded with heat so they will not come
Layers apart without destroying the card. Insert your fingernail, or a sharp object, into the corner of the ID
card. If the layers of the card separate, then it is not a valid ID.
A real California ID has a unique “punched” shape to it. This means that the edges of the card are
uniform. Run your finger over the top edge of the card and feel the top side of the card (the side
containing the photograph). It should feel sharp and flat, while the underside edge should feel rounded
Edge Shape
and smooth. Most fake IDs do not reproduce this texture. If the card texture does not feel like this,
then it might be invalid. Use further verification steps. R E F E R T O T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R
14AND 16.
If you have a magnetic card strip reader, swiping the card is a good way to verify if the ID is fake or
Magnetic Strip real. Some fake IDs reproduce California’s magnetic strip information, so never rely solely on a card
strip reader for verification .R E F E R T O T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 1 5 ,
 CONTINUE TO STEP 5
S TEP 5—L OOK
The L in F-L-A-G stand stands for Look. This step involves the most verification
procedures. It is very important to pay careful attention to each validation method. Be
sure to use a flashlight during each verification step. The following table details each
step to take when visually verifying an ID. Perform each verification method, in order,
listed in table 3-3.
 HELPFUL TIP: OBSERVE BODY LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT EACH STEP
Observe the behavior of people while you check their IDs, and observe their friends.
It is possible that friends, of the person presenting an ID, know that the ID is invalid
Friends will refer to the person presenting an ID by a false name more often than usual
Friends often say contradicting information about the person presenting an ID, and the ID itself
Friends will display many of the same non-verbal and involuntary behaviors listed in step 1

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 TABLE 3-3 WHAT TO LOOK FOR
What to Look for How to verify
Look at this first. R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 1 3 . If an ID is expired, do not accept it
because it is invalid. Many minors use expired IDs from family members, or friends, and try to
Expiration Date
impersonate them. A secondary verification, R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 1 0 , is
formatted as “FD/##.” The two ##s should be the same as the last two numbers on the expiration date.
The birth date, R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 6 , is not the only indicator if a person is a
minor or not. The position of the portrait picture will be on the left if the ID is registered after the age
Birth Date
of 21, and the position of the portrait picture will be on the right if registered before the age of 21. Do
the math, and be correct when determining if a person is 21 years old or older.
Laminate Look at the laminate. There are for different official California DMV laminates now in use. Each
laminate style is dependent on the manufacturing date, R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R
And
9 . Newer IDs tend to be more glossy and thicker, while IDs made before 2004 are thinner and less
Manufacture Date glossy.
An easy way to catch a fake ID is by checking the barcode located on the back, R E F E R E N C E T A B L E
2 - 1 , N U M B E R 1 8 . The last three barcode lines are identical on every California ID. The line
Barcode
thickness should be, from left to right: thick line, medium line, thin line. You can check the barcode
from the front by shinning a flashlight through the backside of the card.
Minors who use IDs that are real, but not theirs, cannot usually account for discrepancies between
Height and Weight their height and weight, and the height and weight listed on a presented ID. If the numbers do not
reasonably match the person, do not accept the ID. R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 5 .
Eye color listed on the ID, R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 5 , may not match the eye color
of the ID presenter. Make sure the person is not wearing contacts. On rare occasions, the DMV makes
Eye Color
mistakes when recording personal information. An example of this is listing eyes as hazel, when they
might be a shade of green or a dark brown. A mismatch in eye color is a good indication of fraud.
When comparing the IDs photograph to the person presenting it, R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 ,
Photograph N U M B E R 1 2 A N D 1 1 , focus on the nose and chin. Minors can alter their hair styles, eye makeup,
and eye color. The nose and chin do not change.
California IDs have microprint (text printed so small that a special printer is required to print it) on the
Microprint
top blue line of the blue DMV letters, R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 1 .
California IDs have a unique print of the state’s flag printed in ultra violet (UV) responsive ink,
R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 , N U M B E R 7 . When using an UV light on the ID, an image of the
Black Light
state’s flag should appear with a red border and green bear icon. Many fake IDs attempt to reproduce
this effect, but manage to do so very poorly; as a result, many fake IDs glow bright purple when tested.
There are two intentional errors printed on California IDs; R E F E R E N C E T A B L E 2 - 1 ,
N U M B E R S 5 A N D 1 7 . The first error, ID feature number 17, is the intentional capitalization of L in
Intentional Errors license or an extra “i” in eligibility. The second error, ID feature number 4, is a very small image of a
boat within the seal of California. This boat has a gap in the hull; where the boat meets the water;
there is a gap in the line. Fake IDs usually don’t have this level of detail reproduced.
Look for alterations. If there are any air bubbles in the laminate, or odd colorations or defects, do not
Alterations accept the ID. Many minors attempt to alter real IDs, to reflect older birth dates and expiration dates,
by scratching out or altering letters.
Real California IDs have a unique computer-generated typeface. Counterfeits may have typeface
errors, positional errors, and misspellings. An easy way to verify if a typeface is authentic is by looking
Typeface
closely at the A letters on the ID. The A, using California ID typeface, should look like a house; two 45
straight angled lines should form a peak at the top of the letter.
A signature on a real California ID is printed smaller than normal size. The signature on fake IDs are
normal sized, and in blue or black ink. A further verification step for signatures is asking a person to
Signature
sign a blank paper with their signature. If the signatures do not match, do not accept the ID;
REFERENCE TABLE 2-1,NUMBER 8.
A person presenting an ID must look like they could be 21 years old. If not, do not accept the ID, no
Apparent Age matter how good it looks.
 CONTINUE TO STEP 6

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S TEP 6—A SK Q UESTIONS
The A in F-L-A-G stands for Ask Questions. Asking certain questions during, or after,
checking an ID is a good way to find out if someone is lying to you about their ID. Below
is a list of questions to ask, and the verification associated with each question. Ask the
following questions:
What is your driver license number? Zip Code?
 A person with a false ID will have difficulties answering these questions.
What month were your Born?
 If the person responds with a number instead of the name of the month, they are
probably lying.
May I see another piece of ID with your name on it?
 People who carry false IDs will rarely carry secondary identification that supports
the false ID.
 CONTINUE TO STEP 7
S TEP 7—G IVE B ACK
The G in F-L-A-G stands for Give Back. If the ID passes the feel, look, and ask tests, give it
back to the person and complete the relevant transaction. If it is still questionable, after
using the above methods, do not accept it. Continue to chapter 4 to learn what to do
when an ID is invalid.
 CONTINUE TO CHAPTER 4

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C HAPTER 4
W HAT TO DO W HEN AN ID IS I NVALID
Depending on your establishment’s policy, you may have the option to seize an ID, give
it back, or have it verified by local police. Choose one of the below options if you have
determined that an ID is invalid. Each option is described in detail below:
 TABLE 4-1 WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ID IS INVALID
Option to take Result
If your establishment has procedures in place for seizing IDs, then this is an option. If you seize an ID, a
receipt must be issued to the person that presented the invalid ID. A receipt must be attached to the
Seize the ID
ID as well. Produce a copy of the receipt for records, along with any notes. The ID is required, by law,
to be given to the local police or sheriff’s department within 24 hours.
Giving back an invalid ID is not uncommon, but the person with the invalid ID might attempt to use it
Give it back
at another location or time.
Have it verified by There are many law enforcement agencies that have “night life” officers that patrol bar and club areas
during peak hours. If an officer is contacted, and available, they will show up and verify the ID through
local law
state record databases. If the ID is found to be invalid, the individual that presented the ID is cited an
enforcement expensive fine. Citations vary depending on the nature of the fraud.
F INAL T HOUGHTS
Checking IDs is an extremely important part of operating any business, and I hope this guide has
provided the user with enough information on California ID validation. Creditable resources are
available online or at various book stores. For further information on ID checking, ID instruction,
and the California Alcoholic Beverage Act, please visit the websites for the state of California, and
California’s department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Please contact the author of this manual with any comments or suggestions by e-mailing KovaliK@gmail.com