The state of Washington is working to pass a bill that asks the Department of Licensing to create an implementation plan by the end of this year for Washington mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs). This bill includes “assessing technical infrastructure to ‘maximize interoperability, utility, and privacy protection.’”
States such as Colorado, Maryland, and Arizona already allow residents to use mobile driver’s licenses, while other states like Washington are still working on implementation. It seems as though if residents have a mobile ID, they will not need to also present their physical ID. When visiting other states, though, Washington state residents should ensure they have their physical ID to present.
mDL Advantages
Senator Mark Mullet, who is a sponsor of the bill SB 5105, told GeekWire the following: “I learned from the ease of having vaccine information on your cell phone why it would make sense to also offer this option for folks when it comes to their driver’s license.” After seeing how well the online vaccine card worked for residents, Mullet was influenced to continue the availability of documents on mobile devices. Credit cards and debit cards are also conveniently accessible on Apple Wallet, allowing for further digitally available documents. Some states offer access to mDLs via Apple Wallet, as opposed to a separately downloaded app. Google is reportedly working toward creating similar support via the Google Wallet.
Further security features can be used to access Washington mobile driver’s licenses. Fingerprint or face unlocking may be required to access the mDL. The mDLs increase security regarding your driver’s license, as they only reveal relevant information like your age when ordering a drink at a bar.
Learn more about mobile driver’s licenses here on IDScan.net. Look into our mobile ID scanners so that you don’t get caught in a bad situation for you or your business.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/washington-mobile-drivers-license-scaled.jpg14402560Sydney Pattisonhttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngSydney Pattison2023-03-23 11:00:212023-06-12 13:52:44Washington Mobile Driver's Licenses Soon To Come
On April 19 of 2021, North Dakota officials gave HB 1072 the green light; this bill calls for the creation of a mobile driver’s license (mDL) for the state of North Dakota. The bill possess further information on the adoption of mDLs into the state:
“The department shall implement a computerized licensing system that allows a licensed motor vehicle operator to provide electronic proof of valid licensing on an electronic communications device.
The electronic proof of valid licensing may be used: a. When being stopped by a law enforcement officer for the purpose of enforcing or investigating the possible violation of an ordinance or state law; or b. For identification purposes.
In case of a discrepancy between a physical and electronic credential, the electronic credential takes priority and is considered to provide the current information.”
As stated in the details of HB 1072, the North Dakota mobile driver’s license is to be safe and secure. It is a voluntary purchase (less than $1 per person) and will not take the place of physical driver’s licenses. The <$1 fee will go toward security and maintenance of the system. Furthermore, physical IDs will still be necessary for citizens with other state IDs, as they will not have access to North Dakota’s mDL system with a different state ID.
The state is working toward implementing a “QR code method, where the driver simply scans a barcode from the officer to authorize transmission of the driver’s data.” The driver’s data will be safely stored in the app, only revealing relevant information to the business or state authority; therefore, one’s personal information such as address and weight remain secure, as it may not be relevant to the situation.
North Dakota has not mentioned how their mDL will be offered to its residents. The state currently hosts an app called ND Drive in which residents can update their address, renew their vehicle registration, and more. This app does not currently have access to residents’ mobile IDs; however, the state may add this component to the app for easy access. Other options for mobile IDs include Apple Wallet and state-verified wallet apps. Stay tuned for more information regarding the state’s progress in this matter!
Utah has been working toward the implementation of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) for the past few years, but the GET Mobile ID finally went live within the last month. Also, unlike a lot of other states that have launched mobile IDs, the Utah mobile driver’s license app does charge an annual fee of $1.99 to cover costs associated with launching the app and securing the system.
Digital ID app for Utah
The app guarantees security to Utah residents; a local Utah news station reports on the mobile driver’s license: “Touted as contactless and secure, the digital driver’s license can be accessed on an app and then downloaded to your mobile device. The license comes equipped with a scannable QR code that can be used anywhere that IDs are required for scanning verification.” The app is so secure that the Salt Lake City International Airport is now allowing mDLs when passing through participating TSA checkpoints. While the airport allows the digital license, they recommend having your physical license on hand just in case.
To get set up, the GET Mobile ID app requires users to scan their physical ID, confirm their phone number, and to take a selfie on the app. The secure functions don’t stop once the app is downloaded: secondary verification options include face scanning, creation of a PIN number, and fingerprint scanning. The Utah Department of Public Safety explains that “the mDL gives greater accuracy to the businesses with whom you interact, can eliminate fake IDs, and can lower the incidence of fraudulent purchases, illegal driving, and criminals impersonating citizens.” The mobile ID acts as an extension to your physical ID, thereby improving security and usefulness.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/utah-mobile-drivers-license-scaled.jpg17072560Sydney Pattisonhttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngSydney Pattison2023-03-21 11:01:212023-06-12 14:03:35Utah Mobile Driver's License is Finally Live
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is slowly in the process of developing a mobile driver’s license. A mobile driver’s license is just that – a digitized version of your physical driver’s license available on your smartphone. In PA, this mDL would be optional: according to PA local news, “the current bill reads that you would still need to have a physical copy of your license, but an app would give you the option to carry just the digital version.” Physical IDs will still be issued and will work the same.
Representative Dan Miller has been influenced by founding mobile ID state Louisiana when it released its LA Wallet app for residents. Since then, more states have released mDL apps, allowing for more influence for PA’s app. States such as Louisiana, Maryland, and Arizona have already launched electronic IDs. States such as Hawaii, Kentucky, and Virginia are currently piloting platforms for mobile driver’s licenses.
Representative Miller has been working toward passing a bill with Congress for years and does not plan to stop anytime soon: he hopes that mobile IDs can become law within the first six months of this year and that the mDL can come into fruition and be available for residents within the year after the law is passed. He sent a memo to fellow representatives, saying that he will re-introduce legislation regarding the option to download a mobile version of their driver’s licenses.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is interested in the mobile IDs and is working toward developing a software that can be used by all residents. It is unclear whether the mobile ID would be kept in one’s Apple Wallet or if it would be a separately downloaded app. Louisiana has its own app dedicated to mDLs, whereas Connecticut mDLs are offered through the Apple Wallet. So, both ways are possible; it is just up to PennDOT as to which suits them better.
Did your college make the list for high fake ID search volume?
We receive more than 500 views each day on our content related to fake IDs and are one of the top resources in the country for all things related to fake and fraudulent identification.
Although these pages and guides, such as our most popular post – What Do Scanners Display After Scanning A Fake ID – are valuable resources for businesses, we’ve learned through demographic data that the majority of views to these pages are by internet users under the age of 21. People viewing these pages are mostly minors, sleuthing to see if their new fake IDs will work at their local bar or nightclub.
Many of these minors are accessing this content from the IP address of their school. So we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 colleges and universities with the most traffic to fake ID-related content:
Map of the top 25 colleges with the most fake ID-related content
The Colleges & Universities With The Highest Interest in Fake IDs
Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Boston University, Boston, MA
Florida International University, Miami, FL
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, FL
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Boston University – A BU professor researched underage drinking and found the following: “We estimated that in 2016, underage youth consumption accounted for 8.6% of the drinks consumed and 7.4% of the dollars spent on alcohol. This translates into $17.5 billion going to alcohol companies.” The Insurance Journal also found that “In Massachusetts, binge drinking is common among both in the general population and among underage drinkers: 44% of current (past-30 day) drinkers age 12 and above, and 63% of current underage drinkers (ages 12-20) binged in the past month.”
University of South Florida – A USF student fell asleep in a dorm common area after having too much to drink. A campus police officer searched his wallet and found a fake ID. The student was charged with a misdemeanor and hefty legal fees.
Harvard University – In 2008, a Harvard student was caught making fake licenses and fake university IDs.
University of Notre Dame – An ND senior, who was drunk, died in 2015 after she fell off the roof of a campus building. In 2019, an 18-year old student, suspected to be drunk, fell two stories in his campus dorm. In 2002, a freshman was found dead with a BAC of 0.224.
Boston College – A popular restaurant in downtown Boston temporarily lost its liquor license after underage BC students were found drinking alcohol. Among seven of the underage students, they were drinking a Coors Light, a White Claw, and five Moscow Mules.
University of Mississippi – An Ole Miss student was charged with manufacturing fake IDs in 2019 and was given a $75,000 bond.
Vanderbilt University – “A VPR Simple Random Sample (SRS) of Vanderbilt first year students found that 47% of students had obtained a Fake ID or were in the process of obtaining a fake,” says Vanderbilt Political Review.
Fake ID usage at colleges is rampant. More than 46% of college students admit to using fake ID to buy alcohol. The most common ways that underage drinkers obtain fake IDs are by purchasing the ID online, or receiving an old ID from a friend or relative. Fake ID owners typically use their fake ID at least 2-3 times per month, with 56% of users using it at least twice in the last 30 days.
The Top 10 High Schools With The Highest Interest in Fake IDs
We also saw a few high schools with extremely high traffic to pages related to these topics. Needless to say businesses in these areas should keep an eye out for minor students who may be carrying a fake ID.
Maui High School, Kahului, HI
Mt. Diablo High School, Concord, CA
Cincinnati Country Day School, Cincinnati, OH
Valley Stream Central High, Valley Stream, NY
William S. Hart Union High, Santa Clarita, CA
Kern High School, Bakersfield, CA
The Galloway School, Atlanta, GA
Willis High School, Willis, TX
Wilmington Friends School, Wilmington, DE
YULA Boys High School, Los Angeles
Fake IDs put minors at risk for underage drinking, and bar owners at risk for liability associated with DUIs, accidents, and alcohol poisoning by minors who purchase alcohol at their establishment. 12.5% of high schoolers admit to possessing a fake ID at some point.
Why Fake IDs Are A Problem For Businesses
Fake IDs have improved significantly over the years and have become harder to recognize. With the right ID scanner, a business can differentiate of-age customers from underage customers. Because fake IDs have been so refined over time, it has become harder to distinguish the real IDs from the fake ones. A violation of underage drinking can result in bars/restaurants losing their liquor license or complete shutdown, so businesses should proceed with caution when letting people into their establishments.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Top-25-Schools-with-High-Fake-ID-Search-Volume.jpeg4501600Sydney Pattisonhttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngSydney Pattison2023-03-08 13:15:492023-04-26 10:33:33Top 25 Schools with High Fake ID Search Volume
Mobile Driver’s Licenses are in the works for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The state conducted a proof of concept in 2016, which lasted three months, to test how feasible Virginia mobile driver’s licenses are within the state, with most users ensuring the mDL’s credibility and security. In this pilot program, citizens in the Richmond area were permitted to download the mobile driver’s license app and use it for age verification in different places around the area that participated in the program. The pilot app gave users a QR code that changed with each launch of the app. When using the app, bartenders or cashiers scanned the QR code, which was then sent to Canada Bank Note Secure Technologies.
GCN explains this further: “Once received, the CBN server used the information in the driving record to construct and send back a profile to the retailer that included a picture of the driver, an indicator as to whether the driver was over the age of 18, a separate indicator as to whether the driver was over the age of 21, and a date and time stamp. No customer birth dates were shared.” Residents felt secure using the app, as their information was privately investigated.
Relevant Legislation
The current law permits DMVs to supply customers with an ID verification system, but it is not required to do so. If Virginia HB 506 gets passed, a secondary Virginia mobile drivers license would be a requirement, and Virginia residents would have the option to possess electronic credentials. The state of Virginia would be within the third set of states to have access to mobile driver’s licenses, coming after states such as Louisiana and Maryland.
With this new bill, Virginia mobile driver’s licenses will be offered by July of 2023. An individual must already own a physical driver’s license to obtain a mobile driver’s license.
Additionally, individuals will be able to use this mDL independent of their physical IDs. This software will get you into anywhere an ID is required; this list ranges from a small market to TSA in the airport.
“What this bill does is it speeds along the Department from Virginia’s DMV’s normal approval process for being able to create a secure digital wallet service; to be able to substitute for your identification card, your driver’s license, or your commercial driver’s license.” This bill moves Virginia along in the process of creating more security for its residents and more usability.
While the mobilized version of driver’s licenses is soon to come, you should still carry a physical ID for the time being. Virginia law enforcement does not currently accept mDLs. More information will be provided in the coming months regarding the process of downloading your mDL and where to do so.
A Wesley Chapel man tried to fraudulently purchase two Mercedes Benz vehicles Sunday using a fraudulent ID – another person’s Social Security number and driver’s license, according to a Pasco Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
James Brucia, 64, attempted to buy one vehicle for $80,200 and another for $76,750, authorities say.
The arrest report states Brucia filled out an online credit application using a fraudulent ID before going with another man to the Mercedes Benz dealership located at 2383 Willow Oak Drive in Wesley Chapel on Sunday.
Once they got to the dealership, Brucia filled out a second credit application with the same stolen identity, according to court records.
While the two men were still at the dealership, the arrest report states Mercedes Benz employees discovered the application was fraudulent and called law enforcement. When deputies arrived, the two men took off running from the dealership. Deputies eventually caught them, though the report does not state how long the pursuit lasted.
According to court records, Brucia faces a charge of fraud to obtain property of $50,000 or more and a charge of impersonating another person without their consent. He was booked into Pasco County Jail and was being held on $100,000 bail Friday, records show.
Brucia pleaded not guilty to the charges Tuesday, according to court records.
The other man faces a second-degree charge of accessory after the fact. He was released on bond, according to court records.
Want to learn more about how to catch fraudulent IDs? Our website explains that “IdentiFraud is the most reliable solution on the market today for identity verification and age verification of US Consumers. By submitting consumer-provided information, IdentiFraud provides detailed verification of identity data within a matter of seconds. With IdentiFraud, using data captured from an ID and an ID number (SSN is not required). IdentiFraud makes it possible to be certain you are conducting business with the real ID holder.”
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/test-drive-fraud.jpg320612Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2023-02-27 10:14:432023-03-23 09:50:33Pasco man used fraudulent ID in attempt to purchase 2 Mercedes, deputies say
Symbologies are used to store information in an optical and machine-readable way. They create a unique, but consistent, way to store letters and numbers through a variation of symbols. One common application of symbologies is on IDs and passports, which can be quickly and accurately scanned using a special device. At IDScan.net, we specialize in a few symbologies in particular: PDF417 (used on US drivers’ licenses and state IDs), MRZ TD1, and MRZ TD3 (used on global passports)
There are also QR codes, which are typically used to direct customers to a website or form.
While there are many other types of symbologies and use cases for them, PDF417 and MRZ are the two most relevant to ID scanning, ID authentication, and age verification.
PDF417
Example of a PDF417 barcode
PDF stands for Portable Data File. A PDF417 is a 2D printed symbol with a very high data density, which allows for large amounts of text and data storage in a secure and inexpensive way.
It’s often used for storing information on IDs, such as driver’s licenses and government-issued IDs, as well as airline tickets, shipping labels, and concert tickets. The information can be easily read by most ID scanners, making it a popular choice for items that require quick and accurate data retrieval.
PDF417 is a symbology has data redundancy, which allows scanners to read it with a certain degree of damage. The PDF417 must be printed at a certain size depending on the amount of information being stored in it. While technically a photo file could be stored in this format, it would make the PDF417 too large for proper use on an ID card.
Common Uses For PDF417 Barcodes:
Driver’s License
Government ID’s
Airline Tickets
Train Tickets
Shipping Labels
Concert Tickets
Machine Readable Zones (MRZ)
MRZ stands for machine-readable zone, which means that MRZ symbologies help a reader quickly pick up the information from a piece of identification using a machine reader.
This is a series of letters, numbers, and symbols printed in a specific pattern, typically found on the bottom of passports and visas.
They are 2D codes that retain the same information that you see on the front of the document. To make these codes readable, they must be put in the correct, standardized font as well as the correct type size. The organization ICAO is the governing body which sets the standards for MRZ documents. MRZ typically include things like a country code, the ID number, and the expiration date.
MRZs come in many different formats, but the most common are called TD1 and TD3.
MRZ TD1
TD1 is used when there is limited space on a document, so it is designed to fit in a smaller area. It uses three lines to encode the same information that TD3 encodes, but in a more condensed format.
Common use cases for MRZ TD1
Passport ID Cards
MRZ TD3
MRZ TD3, on the other hand, is used when there is more space available on the document. It uses two lines to encode the same information that TD1 encodes, but in a more spread-out format. This makes it easier to read for humans, as the characters are less crowded and easier to distinguish.
Common Uses For MRZ TD3
Visa Cards
Passport Booklets
MRZ codes are used for quickly and accurately reading a few key pieces of information from an ID or passport, such as a person’s name, nationality, and passport number. They help speed up the process of verifying a person’s identity at border crossings and other checkpoints. To read an MRZ symbology you will commonly search for a “passport scanner.“
QR Codes
A QR code is a square two-dimensional barcode made up of smaller squares, rectangles, and dots. QR codes are used to provide a quick and easy way for people to access information or content, such as directing users to a website or a form. They are often used in advertising, business cards, and event tickets, as they allow people to quickly access more information about a product or event.
QR codes are typically not used for identification documentation because they lack data redundancy and security features.
Symbology FAQ
Which symbology can store the most information?
A PDF417 can store much, more more information than an MRZ. Both can store more information than a QR code.
How do I know which symbologies an ID scanner can read?
Almost all commonly available ID scanners will be capable of scanning 2D barcodes (PDF417). If it markets itself as a drivers license scanner, it can undoubtably scan PD417 barcodes.
Passport scanners will have MRZ scanning capabilities.
Many handheld scanners can do both, but often the same laser utilized for quickly scanning the PDF417s will not be able to scan MRZs, and you will have to switch to a camera to scan passports.
What happens after the information is parsed from the symbology?
If you are using a software like VeriScan or WizzForms, the information stored in the symbology will be auto-pulled into your system as text strings which can then be mapped to the appropriate fields.
Is RFID a symbology?
No. Symbologies are, by nature, a visual medium.
Conclusion
Symbologies are useful for storing and retrieving information from IDs and passports. They are accurate, efficient, and secure, making them ideal for industries like airlines, law enforcement, and hospitality. Using a scanner reduces the risk of errors and provides an extra layer of security against tampering, alterations, or forgeries.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/PDF417.png152350Sierra Sagerhttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngSierra Sager2023-02-22 12:55:522023-10-02 15:58:42Different Types of Symbologies
“Most bars and nightclubs think any scanning of an ID is catching fakes, but the reality is most ID scanning apps are just verifying age; they don’t catch any fake IDs at all.”
Terry Slattery, IDScan.net CEO
Use of fake IDs is helping dangerous underage drinking proliferate. A recent Detroit-area car crash injured 6 passengers. The driver was booked for a DUI after using a fake ID to buy drinks at a local bar. Cities such as Lubbock, Charleston, Madison, and New York City have all announced major initiatives to crack down on fake ID usage via fines and arrests, but a 2021 survey of college students said that a whopping 69% claim to have used or owned a fake ID.
Cracking down on ID manufacturers is difficult, as most fake IDs are manufactured abroad, and often sold on the internet for as little as $20. While many bartenders expect fake IDs to be obvious, like the McLovin ID in the film “Superbad,” these foreign fakes are sophisticated and typically will pass a visual inspection as well as a barcode scan.
IDScan.net has partnered with global technology provider, Thales, to offer an affordable solution capable of catching 95% of fake IDs. The solution utilizes a Thales CR5400 or Thales AT10K scanning device, and can perform UV/IR/White light scanning, as well six-image capture that allows for IDScan.net’s proprietary software to check against hologram and watermark libraries. These features, in addition to hundreds of proprietary checks, are capable of finding anomalies in even the best-produced fake IDs.
“Most bars and nightclubs think any scanning of an ID is catching fakes, but the reality is most ID scanning apps are just verifying age; they don’t catch any fake IDs at all. Even companies with more sophisticated tech simply can’t do it without specialty hardware. We’ve partnered with best-in-class hardware because we know how important fake ID detection and ID authentication is to our nightlife customers,” said IDScan.net CEO Terry Slattery. “With Thales products you know that the hardware can truly put an ID through its paces and do it very quickly.”
The Thales scanners come pre-integrated with IDScan.net’s VeriScan Authentication software, which not only verifies the ID, but parses ID information directly into a visitor management system. This can help deter troublemakers by managing banned lists and prevent chargebacks by proving who was on-site on the night of large purchases.
The VeriScan solution is currently in use by thousands of bars, nightclubs, and venues across North America, but IDScan.net predicts surging interest as states crack down on underage drinking. Several states such as Nevada, Illinois, and Utah have already put regulations in place that require use of a digital ID scanner for purchase of age restricted products, and others like New York are considering overhauling their existing approach.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/growing-use-of-fake-IDs-by-minors-problematic-for-bars-restaurants-and-dispensaries.jpeg533675Jillian Kossmanhttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngJillian Kossman2023-02-16 15:28:342023-04-26 10:41:29Growing Use of Fake IDs By Minors Problematic For Bars, Restaurants, and Dispensaries
Mobile driver’s license is a secured, digitized version of a driver license or other state-issued ID that is carried in an app on a smartphone. It can be used to verify the identity of a person during in-person and online transactions. It’s currently the only form of mobile-phone-based ID that is verifiable against the record created by DPS.
How is Oklahoma Mobile ID used?
Mobile ID can be used in any context in which a physical ID is needed to verify age or identity, where accepted. It is required by law to present a physical driver’s license when requested by law enforcement and when boarding a plane. Mobile ID is considered an acceptable form of identity verification by the state of Oklahoma; however, because it is a new concept, some businesses and organizations may not be aware of how to use it or have not yet developed processes to accept mID.
Is the app secure and does the app collect data?
Mobile ID verifies a person’s identity attributes and selfie photo against what is on file with the DPS. Only that person’s FaceID, TouchID or pin will unlock the app and access the mobile ID. Mobile ID doesn’t permanently collect, store, or hold onto your personal data – except an encrypted version of the driver license number and phone number to use as a record locator. The only place the complete information is stored is with the DPS.
Does Mobile ID replace a physical driver’s license?
Oklahoma’s mobile driver’s license currently serves as a companion to a physical ID rather than a replacement. It can be used in any context an ID is normally used to verify identity, except during traffic stops or boarding a plane. A physical ID should still be kept as a back-up.
What is needed to use Oklahoma Mobile ID?
A person must have a valid and easily readable Oklahoma driver license or state-issued photo ID card.
