What must you look for when verifying the authenticity of an ID?

When verifying the authenticity of an ID, looking for the holographic image and expiration dates is critical. Holographic images are integrated into many government-issued IDs as a security feature that is difficult to replicate. These images can create a three-dimensional effect and often change appearance when viewed from different angles. Their presence indicates the ID is likely genuine, while the absence of a holographic image can raise suspicions of forgery.

Expiration dates are equally important because they verify that the ID is currently valid. An expired ID cannot be legally accepted as proof of identity, especially for age-restricted purchases, such as alcohol or cannabis products. Ensuring that the expiration date is not past is a fundamental step in the verification process.

In contrast, the style of the photograph, promotion of the ID, and size of the card may vary between different states or countries and do not provide definitive indicators of authenticity. While they may provide some context, they lack the concrete security features that a holographic image and expiration date present. Thus, focusing on the presence of these specific features is essential for effective ID verification.