What Everyone Should Know About ID Scanners: The Truth Behind the Beep

What Does an ID Scanner Actually Do?

At its most basic, an ID scanner reads the PDF417 barcode or MRZ (machine-readable zone) on the back of a driver’s license or passport. It decodes:
- The date of birth
- The expiration date
- The ID format and structure

This allows it to automatically calculate age, flag expired IDs, and log scans for compliance.

That alone helps you avoid costly mistakes—like failing a sting operation because someone couldn't do math in their head.

The Big Myth: All ID Scanners Catch Fake IDs

False. Most scanners do not tell you if the ID is real or fake. They’ll happily scan a high-quality fake ID and say the person is “21+” with no further warning.

To catch fakes, you need an ID scanner with authenticity analysis—not just age calculation.

Why Minor Decliner Is Different

We built Minor Decliner because we saw firsthand how many fake IDs were slipping through. Our scanners go beyond just reading barcodes—they analyze the ID itself for authenticity, format violations, and tampering.

Here’s what sets us apart:
- Fake ID Detection (Optional, but Essential): We use Intellicheck, the gold standard in fake ID detection. It catches over 90% of fakes in under 3 seconds. You can even try it with 6 free scans before committing.
- Fast, Standalone Operation: No internet required. Just scan and get an instant “Sale” or “No Sale” result.
- Privacy-First: We don’t take or store photos of IDs or customers—ever.
- Compliance Logging: Track every scan to protect your business during audits or investigations.
- Works in Any Industry:
    - Bars & vape shops – Block underage sales
    - Retail stores – Unlock coolers, secure high-theft displays
    - Car dealerships – Prevent financing fraud
    - Schools & campuses – Restrict access to secure areas
    - Hiring teams – Verify ID and run instant criminal checks

The Risk You Can’t See: Fake IDs in the Wild

We recently released our Fake ID Decliner Benchmark™ using real-world scan data.
It revealed that 10% of all IDs scanned are fake.
Let that sink in: 1 in 10 people showing you an ID may be lying.
And without proper detection, you’d never know.

Final Thoughts: Ask the Right Question

Don’t just ask, “Does it scan?”
Ask, “Does it detect?”

With Minor Decliner, you get more than a beep—you get answers, accuracy, and accountability.
And if you ever need help? Call us. The owner still answers the phone. Nights. Weekends. Holidays.

Ready to Protect Your Business?

Book a free demo today and get 6 free fake ID checks.
Don’t let your business be the next headline.
Let Minor Decliner do the hard work—so you don’t have to.