The Most Common Security Features to Look for When Verifying IDs
Verifying the authenticity of a driver’s license and other forms of identification is one of the smartest things a business can do to protect its interests and foster growth.
Not only do customers want to know that the establishments they patronize take the threat of identity theft and fraud seriously, but they deserve to be protected as much as possible for choosing to do business with you. In some industries, verifying driver’s license common security features isn’t just about building customer relationships and business reputation – it’s absolutely required by law.
But how can a business tell if a driver’s license presented to them is actually valid? By checking for the most common security features included on official forms of identification, businesses can be reasonably sure whether an ID is legitimate or whether they’ve come across a fake. These security features are extremely difficult to imitate, and taking the time to carefully check an ID to make sure they are present is the first step in accurate authentication.
Holograms
Hologram features are unique security elements that allow for three-dimensional effects to be seen on flat surfaces. Composed of nano-structures that refract light in a specific way, holograms are created by recording the pattern that results from the interference of two light waves. To form these patterns, the beam of a single laser is split in two and the interaction of these wavefronts at a specific length will cause the illusion to appear. This can only be done using highly specialized optical equipment in a laboratory environment that meticulously controls various factors, such as equipment vibration and air temperature.

Microprint
Microprinting refers to the use of microscopic patterns on a document or ID card that cannot be reproduced through conventional photocopying devices. Unlike holograms, microprint is typically not visible to the naked eye and requires magnification to verify. This technique is commonly used in various currencies around the world, but is also widely incorporated into driver’s licenses and other forms of identification.

UV Ink
Ultra-violet (UV) security features are another form of specialized printing that covertly hides images and text on an ID that can only be seen with the help of a UV light source. Similar to holograms, these features can be highly complex, multicolored images that are almost impossible to reproduce without the right equipment, resources, and environmental conditions. Businesses can use UV LEDs, also known as black lights, that cause the ink to fluoresce and emit visible light that can be easily seen with the naked eye.

Technological Solutions for ID Verification
While looking for the most common security features included on IDs is a good step in protecting a business, its customers, and its investors, counterfeiters are continually refining their methods to reproduce these features as much as possible. Particularly for businesses that experience periods of high-volume that increase demands on limited staff, such as bars and dispensaries, fake IDs are becoming increasingly difficult to spot and mistakes can be made in the heat of the moment.
That’s why businesses need to integrate ID verification technology into their establishments to minimize their risks. IDScan.net provides these solutions to companies, taking the guesswork out of verification with comprehensive technological solutions and services – including a mobile ID and scanner app that lets businesses quickly verify the authenticity of a driver’s license from the point of sale or point of entry.
Don’t place the responsibility of verifying IDs solely on the shoulders of your team members. Give them the tools they need to get the job done right every time. For help choosing the perfect solution for your business, contact one of our team members or schedule a demo to see our products in action.