Kansas - works well in the Great Plains region

Honestly, totally agree with you on this one. Obscure state picks are criminally underrated, and Kansas is the perfect example. People just don't think about it, so the scrutiny's way lower. I've been running mine for a while in the Great Plains region and it's flown under the radar every time.

So let me break down some of the finer points that really make or break a Kansas ID. First up is microprint accuracy. On the back of the card, there's this repeating "Kansas" microprint that runs along the bottom edge and sometimes it's hidden in the state outline. A lot of attempts either have it too thick, too blurry, or missing entirely. If you get that right, you're already ahead of the game.

UV response is another big one. The real Kansas uses a bright blue-green UV overlay with the state outline and a scattered star pattern. The glow should be even, not patchy, and the color should be that specific teal-ish tone—not too neon, not too dull. Some fakes I've seen use a generic blue that's way too dark or a green that's off. Under a cheap blacklight, that's usually where people get caught.

OVI color-shifting is also present on the Kansas license. The small "KS" or the class designation shifts from gold to a greenish-gold depending on the angle. It's subtle — not as dramatic as the newer U.S. passports — but it should be there. If it's just flat gold or doesn't shift, that's a dead giveaway.

Now for the card material itself. Kansas uses a Teslin-style polycarbonate blend, so it has a distinct feel — slightly rubbery, flexible, but with a soft matte finish. It's not glossy like a PVC credit card. If you're handing over a stiff, shiny piece of plastic, that's going to raise some eyebrows in the Plains where people are used to the real deal. The edges should also be crisp, not jagged from a poor cut.

My overall score for a well-made Kansas ID would be an 8 out of 10. The design isn't overly complex, and the lack of attention on this state gives you a lot of breathing room. But the microprint and UV are non-negotiable — get those right and you're golden. Plus, for anyone traveling through the Great Plains, it's a smart choice because the locals know the real thing, but out-of-state bouncers and clerks barely glance at it.

Just my two cents. Keep rocking the obscure picks.

Kansas City straddles the border so knowing both sides is a useful cover story.

Simple template means quality is more consistent. Another point in its favor.