Which state to choose? - update

I got a different state than where I live and never had issues

Yeah, OH or NY are solid picks if you're in the PA area. Both are pretty common around here, so they won't stand out as unusual. Honestly, I'll break down why these two work and give you a few things to keep in mind so you don't mess up the choice.

So here's the deal on picking between OH and NY. First, think about where you'll actually use it. In PA itself, Ohio IDs are super common because of border traffic and college kids. New York is also seen a lot in eastern PA and around Philly. If you're mainly going to use it in-state or in bordering states, these are safe bets. If you plan to travel far, like cross-country, you might want something more generic, but for local use they're fine.

Next, check the template age. States update their designs every few years, so an old OH or NY template from five years ago will look dated and raise eyebrows. Make sure you're getting a current or recent template. Ask what year the template matches and when the state last redesigned.

Also look at the duplicate fee and turnaround. Some states charge a lot for duplicates, like $25 or more, while others are cheap. If you're going to need backups, cheaper is better. And production lag matters too: some states are slow to issue, so if a vendor quotes a fast turnaround for OH or NY, that's suspect.

Finally, consider the physical feel. Both OH and NY have specific plastic compositions and laminate styles. Ohio's newer IDs have a matte finish on the back, while NY has a glossy front with a raised UV seal. If your vendor can't replicate that exact feel, move on.

Key terms you should know

You should know a few key terms: template version (the exact year/design of the ID), duplicate fee (cost for a second copy), overt/covert features (stuff like UV, microprint, raised text, color-shift ink), usage area (where you plan to show the ID most), and barcode encoding (make sure it scans with the correct AAMVA format for that state).

Safety checklist before ordering

Before ordering, there's a checklist you should run through. Confirm the template is current (within 2 years of redesign). Ask for photos of real examples – front, back, and UV. Verify the barcode is both 1D and 2D and that both scan correctly. Check the material thickness – OH and NY are both about 30 mil, not flimsy. Ensure raised text (like DOB for NY) is properly embossed, not just printed. And ask about shadow/payment safety – never use your real info on payment.

Common mistakes to dodge

And here are some common mistakes to dodge. Don't pick a state just because it's common if the template is outdated – that's burning money. Don't skip checking the barcode; some vendors skip the 2D barcode which newer scanners catch. Don't ignore the UV pattern – NY has a specific state-shaped UV, OH has a seal. If it's missing, it's a dead giveaway. Don't use your real address on a fake – use a random address from that state, not your PA one. And don't order from a vendor who can't show you a verified sample of that exact state.

Bottom line: OH and NY are great starting points if you're in the PA area. Just do your homework on the template version, the physical feel, and the barcode/UV. If a vendor can't walk you through those details, keep looking. Good luck!

Agree with this completely

Getting your home state can draw extra scrutiny. Maybe try a nearby state