Updated 6/18/2026
We flagged more than 1,000,000 fake IDs in 2025. Here are the top ID scanners to consider if your goal is to catch fake IDs and prevent fraud.
Your business may have already started searching online for an ID scanner to catch fake IDs. But with so many ID scanners available in the market, it can be overwhelming. How can you tell which scanner is the best choice?
Two tiers of fake ID detection
A common misconception is that the “ID scanner catches fake IDs.” The ID scanner is simply hardware that reads the ID’s barcode or takes high quality images of the ID; the key to robust fake ID detection is ID fraud prevention software that can perform ID authentication.
There are dozens of applications that come up when you search “fake ID detector” or “fake ID scanner” but the truth is: most are just verifying the age on the 2D barcode and comparing it to today’s date. Most don’t perform any ID authentication or fake ID detection at all. In fact, top mobile apps were found to catch only 35% of fake IDs in our blind comparison.
Barcode-based fake ID detection
2D barcode security checks are checks which look for anomalies in the barcode on an ID. This can be the size or placement on the physical document. It can also be looking at the format of the individual fields (order, abbreviations, etc.) stored in the PDF417 barcode. These checks are created using algorithms and AI after scanning and processing hundreds of thousands of IDs. 2D barcode security is available with all of our ID scanners, as they all read and process the ID’s barcode. Across all fake IDs detected by our software, between 60-70% were caught using 2D barcode security checks.
ID authentication
ID authentication is a deeper level of fake ID detection. It involves taking ultra high resolution images of the ID under white light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. It is able to look at the ID template in pixel-level detail, examining holograms, watermarks, and other hidden security features. ID authentication is best-in-class fake ID detection and is what we always recommend for businesses who need to prevent fraud and catch the most fake IDs.
All around best ID scanner for catching fake IDs → E-Seek M500
For durable, highly accurate ID verification
The E-Seek M500 is our most popular scanner, and it may look familiar if you’ve ever handed your ID over to a TSA agent. The device is commonly used by airports, law enforcement, and border patrol due to its durable design and crisp, high resolution images.
We recommend this device for businesses in high risk industries because of its high resolution image capture that allows for full ID authentication. ID authentication is capable of catching 95% of fake IDs (even “scannable fake IDs”). Although the up front investment is higher than other ID scanners, the E-Seek M500 is truly best-in-class, and will pay dividends in savings due to compliance.
The M500 ID reader has a motorized side-load design that automatically ingests the ID as soon as it is fed into the slot. Powered via cord, you never have to worry about this unit running out of battery life in the middle of peak hours. It is one of the most durable, hardy devices in our inventory and can withstand heavy, near-constantly use. Cleaning is easy and the manufacturer sells an affordable cleaning kit.
Best ID scanners for catching fakes and scanning passports → Thales AT9000/10K
Flatbed readers allow for scanning of passport booklets in addition to ID cards
Many businesses want to detect fake IDs, but also need to be able to reliably scan and authenticate passports. For this, a drop-in scanner like the M500 won’t work – you’ll need a flatbed scanner. The flatbed has a glass surface where the document is placed. The drivers license or ID card must be flipped over to capture both sides during the scanning process.
Both the Thales AT9000 and Thales AT10K perform full ID authentication – checking documents under white, UV, and infrared light, and looking at all present security features. When paired with VeriScan software they will catch 95% of fake IDs, and also read passports.
Best handheld scanners for catching fake IDs → Unitech EA660/PA768
Handheld scanners with 2D barcode security checks
Handheld ID scanners are ideal for a variety of businesses. For most bars, restaurants, and dispensaries, a handheld unit is what they think of when they think of an “ID scanner.” Handheld or mobile ID scanners running VeriScan are capable of detecting fake IDs using 2D barcode security, but they lack the deeper ID authentication that businesses need to be truly fraud resistant.
The auto-focus laser emits from the top of the ID scanner, and is capable of detecting and reading ID barcodes (PDF417) and passport MRZs from as close as 2″ away, and as far as 2′ away, allowing for rapid scanning without the need to carefully position each ID. It also offers camera scanning using the device’s embedded mobile camera. When a fraudulent or suspicious ID is scanned, the scanner will display a clear pop-up message making it extremely easy to use.
These devices are portable and sync to a centralized cloud portal. The software is also available in dark mode, which many businesses prefer.
What is ID authentication – true fake ID detection & age verification?
Comprehensive ID authentication will conduct the following functions to determine if the ID is real or fake:
- Ensure the ID is not expired and that the patron is not underage by reading the 2D barcode
- Match the information on the barcode to the information on the front of the ID using OCR
- Check the ID to ensure it matches state standards under white light, UV light, and infrared light
- Check the ID against hologram and watermark libraries for its unique jurisdiction
The best ID scanners for catching fake IDs
Many ID scanners have the capability of performing this functionality, but they just aren’t paired with adequate software. You will need both the ID scanning device and ID authentication software if you are looking for a device that will catch the vast majority of fake IDs and help you stay compliant.
Choosing the best ID scanner for your business’ needs
It is important to determine your ID scanning needs before purchasing a scanner, as “ID scanning” and “ID verification” are both broad terms. Even “fake ID detection” can have different meanings based on your acceptable thresholds. There are varying levels of ID scanning technology that your business may require or want to obtain when allowing entrance to a property or selling age-restricted items.
Key questions to ask when selecting an ID scanner:
- How crucial is catching fake IDs? Is your business license at risk if you serve a minor? What is the dollar cost you may experience due to fraud resulting in use of a fake ID?
- Which types of IDs do you need to scan? Do you need to scan both drivers’ licenses and passports? Military IDs?
- Do you need to use a handheld scanner?
- Do you need to have customers sign an agreement or waiver as part of the check-in process?
- Would it be helpful to capture images of your customers? Either a photo of their ID or a cropped image?
- Are chargebacks a problem for your business?
Luckily, there are a variety of ID scanner options and associated software at all price points to ensure every business finds a scanning solution that suits their needs.
Do fake ID scanners need software to work?
Yes! A scanner alone will not be much help- the software is what reads the information. Our ID scanning and age verification software is VeriScan. When purchased at the correct tier it will take full advantage of all of the physical capabilities of each ID scanner.
Are there any scanners that will catch 100% of fake IDs?
No. Fake IDs are becoming more and more sophisticated. With a combination of UV/IR/white light scanning, and checks against hologram and watermark libraries, we’re reliably able to catch up to 95% of fake IDs. But there are always going to be a few really great fakes that slip through. We offer third party checks which can provide a third layer of security against the use of fake IDs.
Additionally, no fake ID scanner is capable of auto-detecting when someone is fraudulently using a stolen or borrowed ID (ie. an 18-year-old takes his 22-year-old brother’s ID to the bar). For this you will need identity verification that includes face matching.
What ID scanner is the best for catching fake IDs?
The absolute best ID scanner for catching fake IDs is going to be a forensic document reader which can scan the document under multiple light wavelengths and examine security features at the pixel level. Examples of forensic document readers:
- E-Seek M500 (used by the TSA)
- Thales CR5400
- Thales AT10K
- Unitech EA660
If you are not able to use a forensic document reader (because these scanners are only compatible with Windows) and require use of an ID scanning app, then the key is to select ID verification software that has robust 2D barcode validation and includes the option to add third party checks.
