Drivers License Barcode to Avoid Identity Theft [DISCLOSED]

As an ID has a barcode on the back, scanning it is the fastest way to confirm a person's identification. 

But did you know that drivers license barcode vary in each state?

So when a barcode is scanned, various information specific to each state is presented.

For this reason, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the various drivers license barcodes by state to know what to expect if you scan ID barcode.

Also, as fraudsters might not exercise due diligence or possess the capability to precisely copy a barcode, this can aid in the real-time detection of fakes.

Drivers license barcode

Distinct Information on Drivers Licenses by State

Different ID data encoding techniques display varied information on each state's driver license barcode.

For instance, the barcodes on certain states' driver licenses, including those in Michigan and South Carolina, may only display a very small amount of information if scanned.

Consequently, they are simple to duplicate. 

The barcode on license from other states, like Washington and Wisconsin will have more detailed information, making it more challenging to duplicate.

Driver licenses are different in each state

In other words, while some only show basic information, some may go beyond and disclose more specific information. 

One of the most important defenses against identity-related fraud is barcode technology, but unless you invest in the appropriate one, it's not a guarantee.

Read next: White bar code

What Driver's License Barcode Information Is Available When Scanning

The PDF417 two-dimensional bar code symbology is the minimum required machine-readable technology that must be featured on the back of the driver's licenses, as stated in the 2020 AAMVA DL/ID Card Design Standard.

The AAMVA specification also states that personal data on US driver licenses are stored using the PDF417 symbology. 

Important details about the cardholder are included in it, such as their name, gender, date of birth, height, etc. 

Some important information is included in the driver’s license

The driver's license is utilized by numerous public and private institutions for age and identity verification.

Required data components are:

• Family name

• Given names

• Date of issue

• Date of birth

• Date of expiry

• Customer identifier

• Portrait

• Document discriminator

• Signature

• Others…

Why You Need A Good Barcode Scanner?

How to read a barcode? You will need a barcode scanner.

Identity thieves and imposters may now create fakes that are challenging to spot with the naked eye thanks to technology. 

Cheaper, shoddy fake IDs can be detected by a regular barcode scanner, but well-made fakes can be very difficult to spot. 

In fact, a lot of fake ID manufacturers take pleasure in their ability to replicate barcodes.

The main selling point for fake ID makers in their internet advertisements is their products' ability to avoid scanners that are typically used in bars and restaurants and other public places.

You need to avoid identity theft

Therefore, you need an ID barcode scanner that goes beyond the conventional procedures if you want to truly safeguard your organization from scammers.

Some good products you make take into account are the Ambir nScan 690gt High-Speed Vertical Card Scanner or BizCardReader.

You might therefore wish to think about utilizing the tried-and-true, legally acceptable identity authentication platform.

Read on for our recommendations!

What Kind of Barcode Scanner can Scan Drivers License?

Looking at the back of your drivers license, you will see a rectangular black and white pattern known as a PDF417 barcode. 

Even though it doesn't resemble a typical barcode, the PDF417 code incorporates all the data on the front of your ID in a single code.

PDF417 is a type of 2D barcode that can store much more information than the standard 1D code found on grocery store products.

That’s why this barcode is used on the driver licenses.

Of course, to read PDF417 code, you will need a 2D imager barcode scanner. 

Many companies now rapidly verify your age or quickly collect your basic information to speed up the process of signing up for a service by utilizing your ID barcode and a 2D Imager like AirTrack S2. 

AirTrack S2 drivers license barcode scanner

The information contained in the barcode on drivers license is organized differently in each state, which is its sole true drawback.

However, this is also beneficial. The data in the barcode cannot be changed, and creating a false one needs precise knowledge of how each state stores the data.

With the AirTrack S2 scanner, you can quickly and accurately verify someone's age by scanning the code on the back of a driver's license from any state. 

Because each state organizes data differently, the parsing software on the scanner outputs the data you need, in the order you need it, regardless of which state you are dealing with. 

It's actually faster than looking at the ID.

We also suggest the Honeywell 1400g ID verification scanner, which has models made especially for reading PDF417 codes swiftly and precisely. 

You may check IDs at the checkout counter or at a live event using corded or wireless solutions.

Barcode scanners can scan drivers license scanner

Here you may have a question about “how to use a drivers license barcode scanner?”

Well, it is the same as how to use barcode scanner, so don’t worry!

Scan clothing barcode will be different from scan driver license barcode. 

You need a typical barcode reader.