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ID scans but info shows up wrong - is this fixable?

posted by Guwop_1 10 months ago 767 views 5 comments
Got my ID last week from a vendor on the trusted list and overall it looks great. However, I tested it with a scanner app and noticed something weird. The ID scans successfully and the barcode/magnetic strip work, but when the info displays, my middle name is missing. Like, the ID says "John Michael Smith" but the scanner shows "John Smith". Everything else is correct - birthdate, address, ID number, etc. Just the middle name is missing from the encoded data. Questions: 1. Is this a big deal? Will it cause issues at places that scan? 2. Can this be fixed or do I need to request a reprint? 3. Do real IDs sometimes have minor discrepancies between the printed info and barcode data? I want to contact the vendor but figured I'd ask here first to see if this is normal or if I should be concerned. The ID is for Ohio if that matters. Anyone experienced this before?
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Guwop_1 • • Edited 4 months ago

Hey, thanks for the input — honestly, I reached out to the vendor and they got back to me pretty quickly. They're sending a reprint with the corrected barcode encoding, no charge. So I should have it in like 2-3 weeks.

Turns out it was just a data entry error when they set up my order — you know, someone kind of forgot to include the middle name field in the barcode generator. Go figure, right?

Good customer service, tbh. That's why you should order from established vendors who actually stand behind their work.

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MadisonStationsSon •
Middle name missing from barcode data actually isn't that uncommon, even on some real IDs depending on the state. Some states include full middle names in the barcode, others use middle initial, and some skip it entirely. For Ohio specifically, I believe they should include the full middle name in the barcode. So this might be an encoding error. That said, most places that scan IDs are just checking that: - The barcode scans successfully (not fake/invalid) - The birthdate shows you're 21+ - The name somewhat matches They're not typically comparing character-by-character. But for advanced scanning (like at airports, though you shouldn't use it there), it could be an issue.
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Dickie •
Glad they're taking care of you! This is a good reminder for everyone to TEST your ID with a scanner app before using it. You can download free barcode scanner apps on your phone. Scan your ID and verify all the information matches exactly what's printed: - Full name - Date of birth - Address - License number - Expiration date Catch errors early so you can get them fixed before you actually need the ID. Better to find out now than when you're at a bar!
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Crackhead99 • • Edited 4 months ago

Honestly, I'd just hit up the vendor about it. Most good vendors'll do a free reprint if there's like a barcode encoding error. It's a legit mistake on their end, tbh.

I mean, all you gotta do is snap a photo or screenshot. Show what the scanner reads versus what's printed on the ID. Then send it over to their support. Honestly, if they're a reputable vendor from our verified list, they'll pretty much sort it out for you.

But in the meantime, the ID'll probably still work fine at like 99% of places, yknow? Most bars and liquor stores just use basic scanners that check if it's a real barcode format — nothing too fancy.

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fivestarwelder • • Edited 4 months ago
What scanner app do you guys recommend for testing? I want to check mine before I try to use it. Also, is there a guide on what to look for when inspecting your ID? Like a checklist of things to verify? Maybe in the help section?
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