Recognizing Fake or Altered IDs and Enforcement
Fake and altered IDs
Common fakes include altered birth years, swapped photos, counterfeit cards, borrowed IDs, and “novelty” IDs. Look for a photo that does not match, a ghost image that differs, lifted laminate, font inconsistencies, a birth date that does not match the “UNDER 21” format, and an expiration that has passed. Michigan’s vertical under-21 license is a useful check: a vertical card presented by someone who claims to be 25 is a red flag.
When you suspect a fake
- Keep the ID in your hand; do not hand it back immediately.
- Ask a second question: birth date, address, zodiac sign, or the spelling of the middle name.
- Call the manager. Follow house policy on retaining the ID; many establishments turn it over to police.
- Refuse the sale and document the incident.
- Do not accuse, chase, or physically detain the person.
Worked example
A customer hands over an out-of-state license. The photo has a different hairline, the birth year font is bolder than the rest, and the card is expired. The server asks for a second ID. The customer says he left it in the car and leaves. The server notes the description, time, and refusal, and gives the ID to the manager for police. No sale is made.
Traps
- Accepting a paper temporary ID or photocopy for alcohol.
- Confiscating an ID and then arguing with the customer.
- Relying on the customer’s friend to confirm the birth date.
- Missing compliance checks: underage decoys often carry good fake IDs, so behavior and ID examination both matter.