What do ID Scanners Actually Detect? - PDI (2024)

FAQs

What do ID scanners detect? ›

What do ID scanners detect? The readers identify the document type and check the code in machine-readable zones, barcodes, and chips to make sure it's valid.

Here's a simple answer: 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.

Today's ID card readers, document readers and passport scanners can process thousands of document types and formats from around the world. They read and extract a wide range of biographical data contained within the visual inspection zones (VIZ), machine-readable zones (MRZ), biometric chips, RFID chips or barcodes.

One scan will capture the date of birth and expiration date on the ID. Then the software will calculate from the scan date whether the ID is expired (if the expiration date is in the past), or if the ID holder is at least a certain age (18 or 21, for example).

Place the ID in the scanner slot (if it's a barcode) or swipe it through the magnetic stripe reader. Scanner will display ID details on the screen. Device will blow a siren or alert if the ID details mismatch with the government database.

While it's possible to catch fake IDs using simple ID scanners, it's uncommon for forgers to craft IDs with faulty barcodes or magnetic strips. Counterfeit IDs sold through the most popular online platforms will all return as valid when scanned.

Filtering Fakes Without Friction

Fake IDs are hard to weed out. But the right ID or passport scanner solution, deployed at border control and security touchpoints, can catch the fakes without negatively impacting passenger flow.

The appearance of an ID card can be faked pretty easily, but not its barcode information. Scan the ID through a comprehensive ID database. If the report produces any kind of error, or the card can't be scanned at all, you know it's fake.

Summary of California ID Scanning Laws

California law allows businesses to scan IDs and to retain or use information obtained from scans for the following purposes: To verify age or authenticity of IDs. To comply with a legal requirement to record, retain, or transmit that information.

When a chip card is dipped into a chip card reader, the chip and reader communicate with each other in an encrypted language. A new code is created for each transaction and the data is encrypted the moment the card is dipped. The encrypted data is then sent to the acquirer as explained above.

Do ID scanners show age? ›

Retail ID scanners frequently employ barcode or magnetic stripe reading technology to quickly and precisely scan the customer's ID and retrieve their data, including name, date of birth, and address.

The quick answer to the first part of that. Essentially, these scanners see what we see with our eyes, name, address, and birthdate. But it's in a different way, through a machine by reading the barcode. These machines are common and are mainly to catch fakes, to make sure you are who you say you are.

ID scanning devices work by reading the machine-readable zone (MRZ) on an ID card, which includes the barcode or magnetic stripe. The MRZ contains information such as the cardholder's full name, date of birth, ID expiration date, and other relevant data.

An ID Scanner for Nightclubs works by scanning the barcode or magnetic stripe on a customer's ID and extracting relevant information such as name, date of birth, and ID number.

Dallas Stroud, 72nd Security Forces Squadron, said the scanner, much like that used in grocery stores, scans the barcode on the ID card and relays information such as the person's photo, address, height and weight, and whether or not the ID card is valid for entry to the installation.

Our ID Scanners and age verification solutions help Prevent Illegal Product Sales of alcohol, CBD, Lottery, Tobacco and e-cigarettes/vape products to Minors.

Filtering Fakes Without Friction

Fake IDs are hard to weed out. But the right ID or passport scanner solution, deployed at border control and security touchpoints, can catch the fakes without negatively impacting passenger flow.