Do box scanners actually check for fake IDs or just verify age?
There's a lot of confusion about this. When a bouncer scans your ID with those box scanners (the ones that look like credit card readers), what are they actually checking?
I've heard different things:
- Some say they just verify the barcode is valid and shows you're 21+
- Others say they check against a database of real IDs
- Some claim they can detect fake security features
What's the actual truth here? Does it vary by scanner model?
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Most basic scanners just read the barcode and verify:
1. It's a valid format
2. The data matches what's printed on the front
3. The birthdate shows you're of age
They do NOT check against a government database. That's a myth.
Advanced scanners at airports/government buildings are different, but bars and liquor stores use basic ones.
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Exactly. That's why barcode quality is so important when choosing a vendor. Download the BCS app (Barcode Scanner) on your phone and test your ID with it. If it passes that, it'll pass most commercial scanners.
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The only time I've seen someone get caught by a scanner was when the barcode data didn't match the printed info. The scanner showed a different name than what was on the ID. Always test before using!
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Good thread. This should be added to the FAQ honestly. Lots of newbies stress about scanners when they're really not that sophisticated.
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That makes sense. So as long as the barcode is properly encoded with the right info, it should scan fine?
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