Despite strict age restrictions, underage access to alcohol remains widespread. Over 12 million minors aged 12 to 20 in the U.S. have consumed alcohol (that’s 33% in that age group), and nearly 15% report drinking within the past month[1].
These numbers highlight why ID scanners are a frontline tool for age compliance and underage sales prevention.
The Growing Need for Reliable ID Scanners
State regulators aren’t playing games when it comes to underage sales. Businesses selling alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and lottery tickets face tighter restrictions, steeper fines, and even license revocation if they fail to properly verify age.
Gone are the days when visual ID checks were enough. Fake IDs can be a challenge to detect, and even trained employees can miss expiration dates or subtle alterations, leading to costly compliance failures.
That’s why an increasing number of states require or recommend ID scanners to eliminate human error, detect potentially fake and suspicious IDs, and provide businesses with compliance proof that age and ID verification were conducted properly.
From bars and clubs to liquor stores and vape shops, more retailers are turning to ID scanners to ensure compliance, reduce human error, and document every transaction. It’s not just about catching fake IDs, it’s about protecting your license, your staff, and your reputation.
Eliminating Human Error in Age Verification
Even trained employees can misread an ID, miss expiration dates, or fail to recognize subtle alterations. That’s why many states encourage or mandate the use of electronic scanning devices to verify age and detect fraudulent IDs.
States That Require or Strongly Encourage ID Scanning for Alcohol Sales
California, New York, Texas, and Utah have introduced stricter ID verification protocols for alcohol sales, encouraging or requiring businesses to use electronic ID scanners.
Pennsylvania’s Liquor Code mandates age checks for alcohol sales, including deliveries, with violations carrying fines up to $5,000.
Affirmative Defense Protections – Some states allow businesses to claim legal protection if they properly used an ID scanner to verify a customer’s age, but still accidentally sold to a minor.
Key Benefits of Using an ID Scanner:
Instant Age Verification
ID scanners confirm age instantly. This helps your staff work efficiently, especially during peak hours, without compromising accuracy.
Eliminate Manual Errors
Reduce human error and free up attention for higher-level ID checking (tactile ID features, body language, etc.). An ID scanner removes guesswork and standardizes the process, ensuring every check is consistent, regardless of who’s working the door or register.
Detect Expired or Suspicious IDs
State laws require businesses to take reasonable steps to verify ID validity and authenticity— DL scanners provide that layer of security.
Reduce Liability Risks
Proper ID scans and documentation can limit liability exposure and even provide an affirmative defense, shielding businesses from liability in the event of an accidental sale.
Supports Legal Compliance & Security
ID scanners are a tool to be used as part of a standardized verification process and broader compliance strategy. Remove human error, enhance judgment, and document the transaction for stronger compliance.
Enhance your Reputation
Customers and authorities notice when you take compliance seriously. By being proactive and using an ID scanner as a tool, you’re sending a clear message about your commitment to responsible and secure business practices.
Stay Prepared for Compliance Checks
Authorities often conduct sting operations to ensure businesses comply with age verification laws. Failure can lead to fines, suspension, and even loss of license. A DL scanner ensures IDs are properly verified every time.
- Automated Verification reduces human error.
- Alerts Employees of underage, expired, altered, or suspicious IDs before a sale is completed.
- Reliable Data Capture helps defend your process.
- Uniform Checks ensure all staff follow the same protocol.
Most Often Cited Errors by Employees
ID scanning technology is most effective when used as part of an overall compliance strategy that includes staff training. According to the FDA and Community Preventive Services Task Force, state fines are most often issued due to the following errors: [2,3]
- Employees forget to ask for ID altogether.
- Fail to verify the ID photo matches the person presenting it.
- An expired or obviously fake ID is accepted.
- There is no record of the ID check (which ID scanners can provide).
- Lack of a clear store policy and allowing discretion that leads to inconsistent enforcement.
- Failure to use ID scanner technology, especially if it’s complex or cumbersome.
- Poor supervision or oversight with regular checks to ensure employees are following procedures.
- Lack of employee training, which involves analyzing tactile features of ID cards and interacting with customers.
Document Transactions to Protect Your Business
If a customer disputes a transaction or an underage individual presents a fake ID, businesses need proof of verification to protect themselves. ID scanners create a date/time-stamped record of each scan, proving what ID was presented and the Age displayed if needed.
- Protect Against False Claims – Prevent "he said, she said" disputes with verifiable scan records.
- Strengthen Legal Defense – Transaction logs provide evidence in case of audits or legal challenges.
- Improve Security & Fraud Prevention – Maintain a record of suspicious transactions or security events for future reference.
FAQ: Common Questions About ID Scanners
Q: Do I need the internet to use a ViAge ID scanner?
A: No. ViAge scanners work offline and don’t require a subscription.
Q: Can an ID scanner detect fake IDs?
A: ViAge scanners flag expired, altered, and suspicious IDs by providing a layer of security and documenting the transaction. ID scanners are an important tool, but not a replacement for trained staff and human judgment. Employees should always physically inspect tactile features of the ID and the person presenting it.
Q: Are ID scanners legal in all states?
A: Yes. Many states recommend or require them for compliance.
Q: What’s the best type of business to use a DL scanner?
A: Any business that sells age-restricted products: bars, dispensaries, liquor stores, and delivery services.
The Best ID Scanners: Smart, Simple, and Reliable
ID scanning devices are evolving fast, but smart, effective, and reliable ID scanners don’t have to cost a fortune or be complicated.
Our ID scanners are easy to use, durable, portable, and don’t require internet or monthly fees.
They're ideal for many industries, which include bars and clubs, casinos, cannabis dispensaries, tobacco and vape retail shops, delivery services, venues, liquor stores, and more.
Don’t Risk Non-Compliance—Upgrade Your System
Using a reliable driver’s license scanner is one of the best ways to protect your business. And when used as part of your overall compliance strategy, it will help keep employees engaged, protect your license, and keep your business profitable.
An ID scanner is the insurance your business needs to reduce risk and improve accuracy and efficiency.
[1] 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
[2] fda.gov / Tips for Retailers
[3] thecommunityguide.org / Alcohol Excessive Use
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