Understanding ID Card Scanning in the United States

The Process of Scanning ID Cards in the US

The process of scanning ID cards in the United States is a quick and efficient method to verify the authenticity and validity of identification documents. This process typically involves scanning a 2D PDF417 barcode located on the back of a license or state ID card. In certain situations, it may also require verifying the information on the front of the ID with the scanned data, ensuring an accurate match.

The PDF417 barcode is a linear barcode containing a great deal of information. Its complexity and the cost of counterfeiting make it a highly secure option. Unlike magnetic stripes, altering or reproducing a PDF417 barcode is extremely difficult. As a result, all 50 US states, along with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), now mandate the use of this technology in licenses, permits, and non-driver ID cards.

While the process is straightforward, simple scanners can be downloaded as free apps for smartphones. These apps are designed primarily for occasional scanning and often come with numerous disclaimers. The level of sophistication in these scanners can vary dramatically, with the most advanced systems used by government agencies.

Identifiers can range in size and design, with various models available for different needs. For instance, some stores, bars, clubs, and restaurants now use ID scanners to verify the legal age of customers. These scanners can be as simple as a standalone device or as part of a larger system linked to government databases.

For law enforcement, ID scanners are particularly useful. They can quickly verify an individual's identity, check for any outstanding warrants, and retrieve an entire criminal and DMV record in seconds. This capability helps to save time and significantly reduces inaccurate information on a citation.

Historical Context: Chalking IDs for Legal Age Verification

The practice of 'chalking' ID cards was a notorious yet illegal method used in some states, such as New York, to alter the age on driver's licenses. This involved using a small amount of chalk to make the digit '4' appear as '1', effectively changing a 25-year-old's ID to that of a 21-year-old (the legal drinking age). The practice was quick and easy for those in the know.

This technique was particularly prevalent among college students and bars, allowing students to appear older and purchase alcohol more easily. However, the widespread use of ID scanners drastically reduced the effectiveness of this method. With the introduction of RealID and enhanced security measures post-9/11, such practices became far less common.

Scanners in Modern Times

Today, scanners have become a ubiquitous tool for verifying IDs. They are used not just in places like bars and clubs to ensure legal age limits, but also in stores to validate purchases of tobacco, alcohol, or legal cannabis where it is allowed.

Some establishments, such as stores selling lottery tickets, might use specialized scanners to verify IDs alongside their main scanning devices. You might find several bars in the same neighborhood each using a different type of scanner, ranging from basic devices to highly sophisticated systems used by government agencies.

In conclusion, the process of scanning ID cards in the United States is a robust method of ensuring the authenticity of identification documents. Whether in a bar, store, or for law enforcement, scanners play a critical role in verifying the legal age and other important information. While a simple app on a smartphone can perform this task, the most advanced systems are tailored to government needs and offer a wide range of functionalities.