How might you identify an altered ID?

Identifying an altered ID often involves examining the physical characteristics of the ID for any signs of tampering. One of the most telling indicators of an altered ID is the presence of eraser marks on a paper ID. Eraser marks suggest that information has been manipulated or removed, indicating that someone may have tried to change the date of birth or other details to misrepresent their age or identity.

Eraser marks disrupt the integrity of the document, as authentic identification typically should not show signs of such alterations. By seeking out these marks, servers and sellers of alcohol can take a more cautious approach to verifying the authenticity of an ID.

In contrast, clear embossing refers to the raised features found on many legitimate IDs, which are not necessarily indicative of tampering. Dark color photographs and standardized formats can both be characteristics of legitimate IDs, but they do not signal any alterations. Thus, the presence of eraser marks stands out as a key sign of potential fraudulent modification of an ID.