{"id":7214,"date":"2023-06-16T13:42:55","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T13:42:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.ftxidentity.com\/custom-development\/?p=7214"},"modified":"2025-03-21T05:35:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T05:35:14","slug":"how-fake-ids-scan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.ftxidentity.com\/custom-development\/blog\/how-fake-ids-scan\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Fake IDs Scan? A Closer Look at ID Scanning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fake IDs are very prevalent these days. And they\u2019re better than ever. In fact, many of the options sold on popular sites are \u201cguaranteed to scan.\u201d<\/p>\n

You might be wondering: How is that possible? How can fake IDs that are sold online scan?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a simple answer:<\/strong> A lot of fake IDs scan because most ID scanners only check to see if the information encoded in the barcode is in the correct format. Therefore, as long as the barcode is encoded correctly and the data shows the ID holder is of legal age, it will scan like a legitimate ID.<\/p>\n

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In other words, the data isn\u2019t cross-referenced against a government database. Therefore, the ID could include a completely made-up identity, and it will continue to scan.<\/p>\n

However, this may be changing. AI-based scanners use image processing to scan IDs and compare the ID against official templates. These scanning tools can recognize tiny, telling differences in spacing, fonts<\/strong><\/a>, holograms and imperfections. These tools can spot fake IDs with much greater precision, but the majority of bar and liquor store scanners don\u2019t yet have these capabilities.<\/p>\n

Do you sell age-restricted products or services? Beyond ID scanners there are many other steps you can take to protect yourself. This guide features tips for using ID scanners, as well as other ways to check for fake IDs.<\/p>\n

Why Don\u2019t ID Scanners Catch Fake IDs?<\/h2>\n

Most online ID scanners<\/a><\/strong><\/span> capture data encrypted in the barcode or magnetic strip on the back of a driver\u2019s license or government-issued ID. These scans determine if the data is valid and in the right format. Therefore, if the barcode is encoded properly and says the ID holder is of age, it will pass a scan.<\/p>\n

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Looking For the Best ID Scanner to Put a Stop to Fake IDs? Glance through the 6 Best ID Scanners<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Why is that possible?<\/p>\n

Essentially, ID barcodes are not intended for security. Instead, the barcodes are created to simplify data collection. They enable ID scanners to quickly extract information from an ID, e.g. as you pass through a TSA checkpoint for instance or visit a liquor store.<\/p>\n

Counterfeiters can find the tools and encoding schemes online for forging barcode data, and consequently it\u2019s fairly easy to create scannable fake IDs. In fact, the majority of fake IDs sold online will scan as legitimate. ID scanners do, however, catch fakes that aren\u2019t properly encoded.<\/p>\n

Many states are introducing counterfeit-proofing features in their IDs to prevent fake IDs from entering the market.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

New ID Features to Stop Counterfeiting<\/h2>\n

Many states have incorporated encrypted features that prevent fake IDs from scanning. The most common types of features include:<\/p>\n