Pennsylvania raised print — how to verify it properly

Pennsylvania driver's licenses use tactile raised printing on several card elements. This is one of the features that differentiates polycarbonate cards with genuine tactile printing from cards that simulate the look photographically. Here is how to verify it properly.

What raised print is and how it is produced

Raised printing (also called tactile relief or intaglio-effect printing) creates text or design elements that are physically higher than the surrounding card surface. On genuine cards, this is achieved through a printing process where ink is deposited in sufficient volume and thickness to create a measurable surface elevation. Running a fingertip across the raised element produces a distinct tactile sensation.

Pennsylvania uses raised printing on the card number, the state name, and several decorative border elements. The elevation is subtle — typically 0.05 to 0.15mm above the card surface — but distinctly detectable by touch.

How to test it

Run the pad of your index finger slowly across the area where raised printing should appear. On genuine Pennsylvania licenses, you feel a distinct change in surface texture as your finger crosses the raised elements — a slight bump or ridge. The sensation is different from a textured card surface or embossed foil overlay. It is specific raised ink.

On vendor cards, this test varies significantly. Some vendors produce genuine tactile printing; many reproduce the visual appearance of raised print without the physical elevation. A card that looks like it has raised printing but feels completely flat under fingertip test does not have tactile printing.

Practical significance

Tactile printing is a tactile security feature — it requires physical contact to verify. Bouncers who handle large volumes of Pennsylvania cards develop sensitivity to it. If a card that should have tactile printing feels flat, that absence is detectable by experienced checkers regardless of how correct the card looks visually. It is worth asking vendors specifically about their Pennsylvania tactile printing before ordering.