Spotting a fake Ohio ID, or any state ID, involves checking for certain physical and security features that are difficult to replicate. While each state has its own design elements, Ohio's IDs incorporate several distinctive features. Here’s a checklist to help you identify a potential fake Ohio ID:
1. Examine the Physical Quality
- Material: Authentic Ohio IDs are made from a durable, polycarbonate material that feels sturdy and somewhat rigid. If the ID feels flimsy or light, it could be fake.
- Thickness and Weight: Real IDs have a consistent thickness and weight. A fake might feel too thick or too thin.
2. Check for Security Features
- Hologram: Ohio IDs have a holographic feature that changes when viewed at different angles. This includes:
- A holographic image of the state of Ohio, which should appear at the bottom right of the front of the card.
- The image should be crisp and clear; a blurry or distorted hologram is a red flag.
- UV Features: Under UV light, you should see:
- A series of small, faint UV-reactive features that are not visible under normal light.
- A faint outline of the state of Ohio that should glow under UV light.
- Microprint: Microprinting is tiny text that’s hard to read without magnification. Ohio IDs include microtext along the edges of the card that’s difficult to replicate.
3. Check the ID’s Design and Layout
- Font & Text: The text on an authentic Ohio ID should be clear, consistent, and precise. Any irregular spacing, uneven fonts, or poor alignment may indicate a fake.
- Colors: Ohio IDs typically have a vibrant color scheme, with a blue and green palette for most recent cards. If the colors seem dull or washed out, it’s a red flag.
- Photo Quality: Ohio IDs use a high-quality photo that’s crisp and well-lit. Fake IDs often have pixelated or blurry photos. The image should match the person presenting the ID.
4. Verify the Date of Birth and Age
- Age vs. Physical Appearance: Check if the person looks like they would be the age stated on the ID. If something feels off (e.g., the person looks significantly older or younger than their stated age), it could be a fake.
- Date of Birth Format: Make sure the date of birth is in the correct format (MM/DD/YYYY). Misprinted dates or unusual formatting might be signs of a counterfeit.
5. Compare with a Known Authentic ID
- If you have access to a real, government-issued Ohio ID, compare the two side by side. Look at details like:
- Barcodes: Ohio IDs have a 2D barcode on the back that contains encoded information. The barcode should match the information on the front of the ID. Use a scanner or barcode reader to verify it.
- Signature: Ohio IDs feature a signature field where the person’s signature is stored. If the signature is poorly printed or missing, it might be a fake.
6. Check the ID’s Expiry Date
- Expiration Date: Ohio IDs have an expiration date located towards the bottom of the card. If the ID is expired or the expiration date doesn’t match up with the person’s age, it might be suspect.
7. Use Online Verification Tools
- In some situations, you can check if the ID is valid using an online verification tool (offered by some state agencies or third-party services). This can help confirm the authenticity of the ID based on the person’s name, birthdate, and ID number.
8. Be Mindful of the Overall Presentation
- A real ID will feel well-made and secure, with no loose edges or printing errors. Any signs of peeling laminate, blurry text, or mismatched fonts should raise concerns.
Conclusion: If you place an order for an OH ID from us, you will receive a perfect OH ID that matches the real ID in both material and security features. Even if you place it next to a genuine ID, you won't be able to tell the difference.