checking california ids

2008 Writting120TW

By Stefan Kovalik

CHECKING CALIFORNIA IDS A brief manual on checking the authenticity of Californian IDs

-Checking California IDs -

TABLE 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


CHECKING CALIFORNIA IDS A brief manual on checking the authenticity of Californian IDs

ABOUT THIS MANUAL 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.

TEXT 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.

T A B L E / F I G U R E R E F E R E N C E

S T E P I N D I C A T O R — T E L L S Y O U W H E N T O G O T O T H E N E X T S T E P H E L P F U L T I P : R E L A T E D T O P I C I N F O R M A T I O N

DISCLAIMER 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.


CHAPTER 1 REASONS TO CHECK IDS 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.

FRAUD 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.

THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL 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.

T A B L E 1 - 1 T H E A B C I N D E T A I L

ABC Element Element Description

Administration 24 offices staffed by Investigators, Licensing Representatives and clerical/technical support personnel.

Licensing Investigators and/or Licensing Representatives investigate applications for liquor licenses and where the liquor license will be used.

Compliance ABC investigators are able to investigate and make arrests for violations that occur on or about a licensed establishment.

Important Notice: ABC Investigators are peace officers under Section 830.2 of the California Penal Code

H E L P F U L T I P : L I Q U O R L I C E N S E P O I N T S Y S T E M

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.


CHAPTER 2 PARTS TO A CALIFORNIA 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.

T A B L E 2 - 1 C A L I F O R N I A I D F E A T U R E S

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

F I G U R E 2 - 1 I D B R E A K D O W N

H E L P F U L T I P : L E G A L L Y A C C E P T A B L E I D E N T I F I C A T I O N

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


CHAPTER 3 HOW TO CHECK CALIFORNIA IDS 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.

REQUIRED MATERIALS 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

C O N T I N U E T O S T E P 1

STEP 1—OBSERVE 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.

COMMON 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

Y O U M A Y C O N T I N U E T O S T E P 2

O R C O N T I N U E T O T H E S E C O N D T O P I C I N S T E P 1


NON-VERBAL AND INVOLUNTARY 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.

T A B L E 3 - 1 N O N - V E R B A L C U E S

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 Between Syllables

Contrasting syllabic duration (time between syllables and words spoken).

Longer syllabic durations is indicative of someone telling a lie

Eye Movement

Looking up and to the right Looking up and to the right is a cue many law enforcement agencies consider to be indicative of someone telling a lie

Not making Eye contact A person actively not making eye contact, while speaking with you, is indicative of someone telling a lie

Too much Eye contact A person making constant eye contact is indicative of someone telling a lie

Hand Gestures Repetitive, and habitual-like hand gestures

A person making repetitive hand gestures, or repetitive habitual gestures (such as nail biting or knuckle cracking), are indicative of someone telling a lie

Body Movements

Slouching posture A person with a slouching posture is indicative of someone who might not be confident about a lie

Repetitive motions Repetitive motions, such as foot tapping or massaging arms, can be indicative of someone who is nervous and possible lying

Reluctance, and concealment of personal effects (wallet, purse), while retrieving identification

A person who is reluctant, in regards to body movement or while presenting an ID, is indicative of someone who might be lying

Overconfidence A person who is overconfident, when presenting their ID, might be indicative of someone who might be lying

Facial Movements

Smiling without the proper facial muscles corresponding

A person who genuinely smiles is unable to prevent muscles around the eyes from contracting, a person who is not genuinely smiling does not usually contract these eye muscles

Concern or anxiety while the ID presented is being checked

A person who appears overly concerned or anxious ,while there presented ID is checked, is indicative of someone who is lying

Breathing Rate An increase in breathing rate If a person’s breathing rate increases, it can be indicative of someone who is lying

Consider the above list before, during, and after checking a person’s ID.



STEP 2—ASK “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.

H E L P F U L T I P : U N D E R C O V E R O F F I C E R S

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


STEP 3—REALLY LOOK AT THE PERSON PRESENTING 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.

FEATURES YOU SHOULD 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

T A B L E R E F E R E N C E 2 - 1 : C A L I F O R N I A I D F E A T U R E N U M B E R 2 — I D T Y P E 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



STEP 4—FEEL 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.

T A B L E 3 - 2 W H A T T O F E E L F O R

What to feel for How to verify

Lumps and Bumps

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. 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.

Layers Real California IDs are made in three layers. The layers are bonded with heat so they will not come 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.

Edge Shape

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 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

1 4 A N D 1 6 .

Magnetic Strip If you have a magnetic card strip reader, swiping the card is a good way to verify if the ID is fake or 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 ,


STEP 5—LOOK 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.

H E L P F U L T I P : O B S E R V E B O D Y L A N G U A G E T H R O U G H O U T E A C H S T E P

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


T A B L E 3 - 3 W H A T T O L O O K F O R

What to Look for How to verify

Expiration Date

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 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.

Birth 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 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 And Manufacture Date

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

9 . Newer IDs tend to be more glossy and thicker, while IDs made before 2004 are thinner and less glossy.

Barcode

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 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.

Height and Weight Minors who use IDs that are real, but not theirs, cannot usually account for discrepancies between 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

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 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.

Photograph 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 ,

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.

Microprint California IDs have microprint (text printed so small that a special printer is required to print it) on the 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 .

Black Light

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 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.

Intentional Errors

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 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.

Alterations Look for alterations. If there are any air bubbles in the laminate, or odd colorations or defects, do not accept the ID. Many minors attempt to alter real IDs, to reflect older birth dates and expiration dates, by scratching out or altering letters.

Typeface

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

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.

Signature

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 sign a blank paper with their signature. If the signatures do not match, 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 8 .

Apparent Age

A person presenting an ID must look like they could be 21 years old. If not, do not accept the ID, no matter how good it looks.



STEP 6—ASK QUESTIONS 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.


STEP 7—GIVE BACK 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.

C O N T I N U E T O C H A P T E R 4


CHAPTER 4 WHAT TO DO WHEN AN ID IS INVALID 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:

T A B L E 4 - 1 W H A T T O D O W H E N T H E I D I S I N V A L I D

Option to take Result

Seize the ID

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 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.

Give it back Giving back an invalid ID is not uncommon, but the person with the invalid ID might attempt to use it at another location or time.

Have it verified by local law enforcement

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 state record databases. If the ID is found to be invalid, the individual that presented the ID is cited an expensive fine. Citations vary depending on the nature of the fraud.

FINAL THOUGHTS 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 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

checking california ids

Business

california idsthis chapter

california idthis chapter

california id features5table

california idspage

state of california

california id5chapter

california ids6

stepwithin chapter