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ID Security Guide

A built-in visual reference for checking US driver's licenses at the door, available in the web admin under ID guide. Use it to train staff and to look up a specific state's layout, REAL ID markings, and known fake patterns.

A reference, not a guarantee

PulseID is not responsible for the routine upkeep of any state's current driver's license designs or security features. Determining whether an ID is legitimate is the sole responsibility of the person checking it. PulseID reviews state designs roughly once a year, but completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed — always trust your own inspection.

The 5-second check

Run this on every ID before you scan — in order:

  1. Hand-feel — modern licenses are rigid polycarbonate; flimsy or peeling edges are a red flag.
  2. Tilt test — real cards have holograms/kinegrams that shift with the angle; printed "holograms" are fake.
  3. Tactile check — run a fingernail over the DOB/signature; modern cards have raised, laser-engraved text.
  4. Photo cross-check — real cards have a primary photo and a smaller ghost photo of the same pose.
  5. Data cross-check — does the face match the person and apparent age? Is the issuing state and expiration sane?
  6. UV (if you can) — most states hide fluorescent state seals, portraits, or landmarks under UV.

Per-state reference

Search any state or province for:

  • Reference images of the current (and recent) license designs — click to view full size; states with multiple designs have a gallery.
  • What to look for — distinctive design elements and issuer.
  • REAL ID marking (the star and where it sits).
  • Under-21 layout (vertical cards, marking position).
  • Tactile and UV features.
  • Notes — e.g. multiple legitimate designs in circulation, or a high-fake-target state.

Filter by region, and look for the Enhanced (EDL) tag on states that issue enhanced licenses.

Reference rail

Alongside the states you'll find quick-reference cards: common red flags, what every REAL ID has, how temporary paper credentials work, and notes on other IDs (military CAC, passports, permanent resident cards, mobile driver's licenses).