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State by state listing of tricks used to prevent tampering on Dri
Guide to US & Candian Drivers License Security
Techniques!
The following is a state by state (and Canadian province) list
of tricks that are used on drivers licenses to prevent forgery. I
must say though, that even with this knowledge, it is still a
difficult task to procure a passable license. I would recommend
that only people with at least moderate experience in the printing
and/or graphic arts attempt to produce any such false document.
One other thing. One the most common and easy to use security
checks in use today is the Soundex system. You will notice that
many states incorporate this into their licenses. I feel that
everyone interested in the topic covered by this file should be
made aware of this systems simplicity and also it's danger (to the
unknowing), so I have included, at the end of this file, an
explanation of the Soundex system.
Alabama:
This license is a photo ID card laminated in plastic. The
driver's photograph is on the the lower left corner, and
overlapped by the state seal. The drivers license numer and birth
date are embossed at the top, and license of minors under 21 are
further identified by a star embossed after the birth date.
Alaska:
This license is also a photo laminated type, but the lettering
on it may be typewritten or "computer type," which offers the
forger a choice. The signature of the Commissioner overlaps the
photo. An additional safeguard is tthat the state seal overlaps
the driver's signature.
Arizona:
This is a polyesterphoto ID card, but it is not laminated. The
state seal is ont he front of the license surrounded by a printed
orange pattern which overlaps the type. The Assistant Director's
signature is on the bottom. The driver's name, address, and other
data may be typed or written in by hand.
Arkansas:
This is a laminated photo ID, using the state seal overlapping
the photo as a safeguard.
California:
This license is photograpghic, with a high-tech laminateon the
front. Type may be typewritten or computer type. The state seal
and the name "California" are hidden in the laminate.
Colorado:
This is a photo-ID with a polycarbonate (Lexan) coating. This
makes it very durable, as well as unusually flexible. The material
gives it a different "feel" from most photographic materials. The
state seal is in the center, and the Director's signature is in
red.
The extra trick in this license is in the numbering system.
The number begins with a letter for the year of issue, such as "G"
for 1987. However, drivers under 18 have numers with the letter
"M" in front. Licensees from 18 to 21 have numbers bginning with
"P".
Conneticut:
This is a Polaroid photo card, laminated in plastic with the
gold printing "CONNETICUT" on the plastic. A gold "Y" is in the
typed area for minor's licenses. There are several other tricks
and kinks to this license:
The Commissioner's signature is on the edge of the photo. The
first two digits of the nine-digit license number are coded. For
drivers born in odd years, the first two numbers denote the month
of birth by the numbers 01-12. Those born in even years have the
numbers 13-24 to denote birth month.
Delaware:
This is also a photo-ID with lamination. The safeguards are
the Director's signature on the edge of the photo, the date and
fee at the bottom, and a red background for the photos of those
under age 21.
District of Colombia:
The D.C. issues photo-laminated ID with the Administrator's
signature or the outline of the district map on the edge of the
photo. The license number may be the Social Security number or one
assigned by the issuing agency.
The trick in this license is the code number "3" in the space
for "Restrictions" to identify minors under 18.
Florida:
This state issues photo-laminated ID with the state seal
and camera number overlapping the photo. The license number
follows the Soundex system and begins with the first letter of the
last name and looks like this: J123-123-39-123. The two digit
group is the birth year. An additional trick is that minors under
21 have a yellow background on their photos. The most difficult to
overcome trick used with this license is state seals printed in
ink visible only under ultraviolet light.
Georgia:
This is a photographic laminated card with the blue state seal
on the front, surrounded by a pattern of orange lines. The
safeguards include both the Governor's and Commissioner's
signatures, but not overlapping the photo. Drivers under 20 have a
red bar at the top of the card.
Hawaii:
This looks more like a bank card than the typical drivers
license because the data is embossed. The photo is at the upper
right, embedded in the plastic card. An additional 10-digit number
is aat top right, above the photo, and minors under 17 are
identified by having their photos in profile.
Idaho:
This license is a laminated Polaroid with a gold pattern in
the lamination. Minors under 19 are identified by a photo in
profile, instead of full-face. The license number may be the
Social Security number. Otherwise, it's 9 digits beginning with
"910" or "911". Only the Social Security number is hyphenated.
Illinois:
This is a laminated Polaroid photo-ID with the repetitive
letters "ILLINOIS" on the laminate. This license is full of
tricks.
As a start, the photo has a number overlapping it. The license
number itself is coded. It begins with the first letter of the
last name, followed by three digits coded on the last name. The
next three digits are a code based on the first name and middle
initial. The next two digits are the year of birth and the last
three digits signify the person's sex, and the month and day of
birth, again in code. The number is hyphenated in a misleading
way, though: A123-4567-8901.
Indiana:
This is a photo ID with a laminate on the front, which gives
it a silky texture. There's nothing significant about the license
number, which may be a Social Security or other number with 9
digits. One trick used in this license is listing both the
expiration date and the date for re-examination. If they don't
match, the license is fake. Additionally, ther are state seals
hidden in the plastic.
Iowa:
This is a photo-ID laminated in plastic. The tricks employed
in this license are that the Director's signature and the staion
number overlap the photo. The license number may be the SS number
or nine digits and letters. Minors under 19 have their photos in
profile. An additional trick is the lettering "IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION" in the plastic.
Kansas:
This license is a laminated photo-ID with the state seal in
front in the data area. Two signatures overlap the photo. There
are a couple of tricks: Those under 21 have red backgrounds in the
photos. The letters "KANSAS" are repeated on the laminate.
Kentucky:
Again, a photo-ID, laminated in plastic. A camera number and
signature are on the photo edges. A red band, saying "UNDER 21"
identifies minors. A blue band with the same legnd is in the
plastic.
Louisiana:
This is a photo-ID, laminated in plastic. The photo is at the
right, with the state seal and camera number impinging on it. The
tip-off regarding minors under 18 is the red background of the
photo. The first two license digits are always "00".
Maine:
Maine has two licenses. The non-photo license is a large card,
issued to senior citizens 65 and over, This on isn't laminated,
and the validation trick is a date stamp on the lefy edge. The
photo-ID is laminated and has two security checks: a state seal
overlapping the photo, and the signature of the Secretary of State
overlapping the top.
Maryland:
This is a plastic enclosed photo-ID with a state seal across
the data panel to make life tough for forgers. A repitition of the
name "MARYLAND" goes across the data panel, too. Minors under 18
are photographed in profile.
The numbering system is coded according to the Soundex system.
The number begins with the first letter of the last name, and the
following three numbers signify the Soundex code for the last
name. The next three are for the first name. and the following two
for the middle name or initial. The last three are for the
birthday and month.
Massachusetts:
This is like the Maine license, with the gold seal and state
name appearing on the license. The security checks are overlapping
of the photo by three items: the signature, camera number, and a
small seal. All license numbers begin with the letter "S", and
may be the SS number or other. Minors get a red heading on their
licenses.
Michigan:
This is a photo-ID with a polyester finsh. There is printing
on the back for medical data or an anatomical gift. The security
checks are a special laminate on the front. The numbering system
is Soundex. The first digit is always a letter, corresponding to
the first letter of the driver's last name. The next three are the
Soundex coded last name. The following three are for the first
name, and the next three for the middle name. The last three are
the birthday and month, again coded.
Minnesota:
This one looks spiffy, because it's a plastic card with
embossed lettering and a photographic film overlaid with the photo
at the right. There are several security checks to watch. The
number is based on Soundex, and starts with the first letter of
the surname. The next three digits are the name code. The rest are
serial numbers. Minors under 19 have licenses with a black bar on
top, and also the word "PROVISIONAL".
Mississippi:
This is the usual laminated photo-ID with the signature of the
Commissioner on the photo. The seal overlaps the photo. Drivers
under age 20 have the notation "MINOR" in red and the birthdate is
outlined in yellow.
Missouri:
This is a high-class photo-ID which is flexible and not
laminated. Security checks are the state seal and an orange
pattern on the front of the license. The license number is
Soundexed. The first letter is the first letter of the surname.
The next three digits are the coded last name. The rest are for
the coded first name, the middle initial, and the month and day of
birth, and finally, the sex.
Montana:
This is a normal-appearing photo-ID that is laminated with a
45-degree profile photo of those under 19 and the usual full-face
shot of the adults. The security check is the expiration date
stamped above the photo.
Nebraska:
This is a Polaroid photo-ID laminated in plastic. A signature
is on the edge of the photo. Drivers under 21 now have blue
backgrounds.
Nevada:
This is like the Nebraska license, but with the legnd "NEVADA"
stamped repetitively across the license. A signature overlaps the
photo. Persons younger than 21 are photographed in profile.
New Hampshire:
This is like the Nevada license, but with the pattern "NEW
HAMPSHIRE". There is a seal and a signature overlapping the right
edge of the photo. The license lists both the Social Security
number and the drivers license number. The license number is in
code. The first two digits stand for the birth month. The next
three letters are for the first and last letters of the surname,
and the first letter of the given name. The next two numbers stand
for the year of birth. The next two, for the day, and the last is
to prevent duplication.
New Jersey:
This state issues both photo and printed card licenses. The
cards are a snap to duplicate. The photo licenses are in plastic.
The trick on both licenses is the number. The first letter is the
first letter of the surname. Next, there are nine numbers
representing the license number. Finally, The last five numbers
stand for the month and year of birth, and the color of the eyes.
New Mexico:
This state issues photo-ID with laminated plastic. The plastic
coating has "NEW MEXICO" printed over the face of the card. Minors
get cards with the legend, "UNDER 21 YRS. OLD" stamped across the
front.
New York:
New York is one of the last states to go to photo-ID. The new
license is a 3M photo card, with a reflective lamination on the
face. This gives it a silky texture. The type is computer type,
and the security chaeck is the New York State seal printed on the
surface. The license number is very long, with the first letter
the same as that of the surname. The last two digits are always
the birth year.
North Carolina:
This license is plastic-encased photo-ID with the legend
"NORTH CAROLINA" repetitively stamped in gold. Licenses issued to
those younger than 21 have blue backgrounds for the photos. A
security check is the state seal at the edge of the photo. Another
is that the spaces for the restriction codes and expiration dates
are red-tinted.
North Dakota:
This state hands out plastic-encased photo-ID with the gold
legend "NORTH DAKOTA" over the left panel. Security checks are the
seal, signature, and camera number overlapping the photo.
Ohio:
This photo-ID may be laminated or plain. Drivers under 21 have
their photos taken against a red background. The seal overlaps the
photo, as a security check.
Oklahoma:
This is a fully laminated photo-ID. The security feature is
the signature on the photo's edge.
Oregon:
This is a fully laminated photo-ID with the camera number
overlapping the edge of the photo. Minors get very special
treatment in Oregon. Anyone under age 22 gets the legend "OREGON"
across the data panel, and the notation "Minor until....".
Pennsylvania:
This is a fully-laminated photo-ID with the state legend and
slogan across the top of the driver's photo. A strip on the right
side of the photo contains the camera number. The notation "UNDER
21 UNTIL...." is on the top of under-age driver's cards.
Rhode Island:
This photographic card is laminated. There is a "STATE OF
RHODE ISLAND" legend printed repetitively on the data panel.
Licenses for those under 18 have the word "MINOR" printed in the
top bar. The license number is coded to the extent that the last
two of the seven digits stand for the year of issue. A security
check number and signature overlap the photo.
South Carolina:
This is a photo-ID with a protective coating. Both a signature
and seal overlap the photo, but the license number isn't coded.
South Dakota:
This is a polyester photo-ID with a piece of plastic on the
front. The security check is that the data is embossed on the
card, like a plastic bank card.
Tennessee:
Tennessee issues both paper and photo-ID licenses. The photo-ID
is laminated. The paper license uses two signatures for
validation. The photo-ID has the seal and camera number
overlapping the right edge of the photo. Drivers under agd 20 are
photographed in profile for the photo-ID card.
Texas:
Texas issues a laminated photo-ID with the seal and signature
for validation. Drivers under 17 are photographed in 45-degree
profile, instead of full-face.
Utah:
These licenses are photo-ID cards with lamination. A stamp
of the letter "L" and a signature serve for validation, located on
the left edge of the photo. The word "ADULT" is in the upper left
corner of the photo of licenses issued to drivers over 21. Those
under-age have the legend "UNDER 21" instead.
Vermont:
Vermont issues both a plastic license without a photo and a
photo-ID. The plain card has a green surface with white margins
top and bottom. The photo-ID has a signature overlapping the
bottom of the photo, and the type of license in green ink next to
the photo. Adults have "OPERATOR" stamped, while minors under age
17 have the word "JUNIOR".
Virgina:
This state issues a two-part license. One part is green paper
with computer type for the data. The photo-ID component is in a
plastic envelope and has the state seal for a security check. The
seal overlaps the upper right corner of the photo. The under-21
driver's photo is in profile.
Washington:
This state issues a laminated photo-ID. The security check is
the signature and legend "DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING" on the top of
the photo. The state seal is to the left of the photo, and an
orange state outline in the lower left corner of the card. Drivers
under 21 are depicted in 45-degree profile, and under-18 drivers
are identified by the letter "M" in the "Type" space.
West Virginia:
This photo-ID has the legend "WEST VIRGINIA" printed over the
data panel. The state seal overlaps the upper right corner of the
photo, and two signatures overlap it on the bottom edge.
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin issues both a plastic-encased photo-ID and a paper
card, printed in purple. Either is valid. Minors under 21 have
"PROBATIONARY" printed on the card, instaed of "REGULAR". The
security checks are a seal overlapping the right edge of the photo
and the state seal overprinted on the data panel on the photo-ID.
The license number follows the Soundex system. The letter is the
first letter of the surname, and the next three numbers are based
on the Soundex of the surname. The next three numbers are from
the given name and middle initial. The next two are the year of
birth. The next three are the birth month and day, and sex, but in
code. The last two digits are to distinguish numbers that
otherwise would duplicate.
Wyoming:
Wyoming issues laminated photo-ID with minors shown in profile
and the legend "MINOR UNDER 19" stamped on the card. Licenses are
printed in computer type. A silhouette of a rodeo rider, and an
orange pattern, are surprinted on the data panel. The signature of
the Chairman of the Tax Commission is above the photo.
CANADA
------
Alberta:
Alberta issues a two-part license, consisting of both a paper
card and a photo-ID. The paper card has an elaborately-printed red
border, with the information typed in. The signature of the
registrar serves as a security check. The laminated photo-ID has a
stamped number overlapping the upper right corner of the photo.
British Colombia:
This license is a laminated photo-ID with a signature and
title overlapping the top edge of the photo. These license vary in
color of the crest and building pictured on them.
Manitoba:
This is a bilingual, paper stock license, with a fold line
between the two halves. A validation sticker serves as a security
check. The license number is alphanumeric, with the first five
letters taken from the surname. The next group of two letters are
the first and middle initials. Two numbers following are the
results of 100 minus the year of birth. Three final characters
are coded digits and letters. Minors have "PROBATIONARY" marked on
the license.
New Brunswick:
This province issues a bilingual paper stock license in red,
white and blue. The security check is a printed signature, or a
sticker with a printed signature.
Newfoundland:
This province issues a green-printed paper stock license
printed in computer type. The banknote paper has a green printed
pattern for securrity, to prevent alterations, and the second
security check is the cash register printout.
Nova Scotia:
This province issues a green-printed paper stacok license with
an elaborate anti-alteration pattern, and printed in computer
type. The security checks are the seal and signature. The license
number follows the Soundex system, with the first five letters
taken from the surname. The numbers following are from the day,
month, and year of birth, with internal codes for the last two.
Ontario:
Ontario issues two-part licenses, one a card and the other a
photo-ID. There are two security checks on the photos. Both a
number and the name "ONTARIO" overlap the photo edges. Another
security check identifies minors. The birth date is coded into the
license number.
The license number is alphanumeric, with the first letter
corresponding to the surname's first letter. The next four digits
are codes taken from the last name. The next five digits are the
first name and middle intial, again coded. The next two stand for
the birth year, and the last four are the month and day. An
additional wrinkle is to add 50 to the number representing the
birth month of a female.
Prince Edward Island:
P.E.I.'s license is a laminated Polaroid photo-ID with a
signature on the bottom edge of the photo. A security check for
minors is the birth date included in the license number. The
number is derived by coding the surname for the first four digits,
listing the day, month, and birth year for the next six, without
coding, and using the number "1" for males, and "2" for females,
for the next digit. The last is a code digit.
Quebec:
Quebec issues a paper license in French. All security checks
are in the numbers printed on the license. One security check is
in the serial number of the license. Another is the license number
itself, which is coded according to the Soundex system in this
manner: The first letter is the first letter of the surname. The
next four digits are Soundex codes for the surname and the given
name. The next six digits signify the birth date, month, and year.
The last two digits are internal codes.
Saskatchewan:
This province also issues a paper license, but in English. The
security check is by a numbered sticker in the lower right-hand
corner. An alternative security check is the printed legend
"VALIDATED".
Soundex System
------- ------
BFPV 1
CGJKQSXZ 2
DT 3
L 4
MN 5
R 6
The letters W, H, and Y have no number equivalents.
In the Soundex system is an alphanumeric code grouping sound-a-
like letters. The first character is the firat letter of the last
name. The next three non-doubled consonants in the last name form
the next three digits according to the above code. For example, we
can encode "Garcia" as G620. The "0" is used when there aren't
enough consonants to fill the four spaces. Double letters, such as
in "CaTTerson" are ignored.
This is the basic Soundex system. There are variants depending
on the issuing agency.
/eof/
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