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Every year, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issues about 9 million driver’s licenses and identification cards. A driver’s license or identification card is the primary identification document in California. It is valid for all purposes, except international travel. It is important that all licenses and ID cards are authenticated and accurate to identify an individual. That is why they have several security features. In 2010, driver’s licenses and identification cards were updated with new security features and a completely new design. The new features included:
Remember, if you move to California and want to drive in California, you must apply for a California License within 10 days. If you have a valid license from another state, both the knowledge test and the road test is usually waived. More information about Driver License and ID Card Information
This is not legal advice. It is a summary of some applicable laws and general suggestions. If you have any questions you should seek independent legal counsel.
A very important step for the prevention of illegal sales to minors is adequate training of staff on what the policies and laws are regarding the sale of alcohol. Staff must know what to look for when checking ID’s to be able to prevent the sale. They must also know how to deal with the customer once a suspected false/counterfeit ID is presented. The legal drinking age in California is 21. You are never required to sell or serve alcohol to anyone. A person does not have a legal “right” to buy alcohol, but you have a legal right to refuse service to anyone who cannot produce adequate evidence of their age. If you have any doubts about an identification, you should refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages. However, it is important to remember that you cannot discriminate as to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin, among other things. Persons under the age of 21 are not protected by age discrimination laws when it comes to the sale or service of alcoholic beverages. Bona Fide IdentificationBona fide (legally acceptable) identification is one card that contains these six characteristics:
Examples of Identification that could be bona fide
Examples of Identification that are not bona fide
A business may have a company policy that is stricter than the law; e.g., “Only California driver licenses/identifications are accepted” or “anyone purchasing alcoholic beverages MUST present an identification, regardless of age.” System for Checking IdentificationABC recommends you check identification in a methodical and systematic manner. A simple acronym to help people remember how to check identification and spot false or borrowed identification is by using the F-L-A-G system. Sellers of alcoholic beverages should also ask customers to remove the identification from wallets/ID holders in order to physically handle the card. This will help to properly examine the identification. “F” = FEEL
Identifications may also contain security features such as:
“L” = LOOKTake your time looking at the identification in your hand. Know what to look for:
“A” = ASK QUESTIONSIf you suspect that an identification is fake, ask the ID holder questions. If they don’t know the answers or get nervous, you probably have a fake ID on your hands. Here are some questions you can ask the cardholder to help determine if their ID is fake.
“G” = GIVE BACKIf the identification passes the feel, look and questions tests, give it back to the customer and make the sale. If it does not, refuse the sale and then, either give the ID back or seize it, depending on your company’s policy. You have a right to refuse service to minors. If you seize an ID, here are the requirements per Section 25659 of the Business and Professions Code:
Good I.D. PoliciesThe following are some good ID policies:
Identifying Minors (and how they may try to fool you)Be aware that minors may look and act in ways to deceive you. Some minors may look or act young and others may look or act older to confuse you about their true age. Identifying Minors:
Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in county jail, while felonies are punishable by state prison time. California Vehicle Code Sections
Penal Code Sections
Business and Professions Code Sections
Additional information may be obtained by contacting: Alcoholic Beverage Control3927 Lennane Drive, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834 |