Running a successful bar means ensuring that you only serve customers of legal drinking age. With the rise of counterfeit IDs and the need to comply with local regulations, choosing the right ID scanner is more crucial than ever.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about selecting the best ID scanners for bars and ensuring that your business remains safe, efficient, and compliant.
What Is a Bar ID Scanner?
An ID scanner is a device that automatically verifies the authenticity of government-issued identification cards, such as driver’s licenses or passports. For bars, these scanners are indispensable tools that not only help prevent underage drinking but also streamline operations. By quickly reading and validating ID cards, they add an extra layer of security to your establishment.
ID scanners work by capturing and analyzing data embedded in ID cards. This data may include barcodes, magnetic stripes, or RFID chips, depending on the type of ID and scanner used. Once the ID is scanned, the device checks it against a database to confirm its validity. This process significantly reduces the risk of human error and speeds up the customer verification process, allowing your staff to focus on providing excellent service.
Types of ID Scanners
Not all ID scanners are created equal. Understanding the different types available can help you choose the best one for your needs.
1) Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners are one of the most common types of ID scanners used in bars. They read the barcode present on most government-issued ID cards, extracting data such as the cardholder’s name, date of birth, and ID number.
These scanners are popular due to their speed and ease of use. However, they can sometimes be fooled by high-quality fake IDs that replicate legitimate barcodes. It’s important to ensure your barcode scanner is equipped with features that detect fake barcodes to mitigate this risk.
2) Magnetic Stripe Scanners
Magnetic stripe scanners read the magnetic strip on the back of ID cards. This strip contains encoded information that the scanner decodes to verify the cardholder’s age and identity.
While magnetic stripe scanners offer reliable data extraction, they require the ID to be swiped, which can slow down the verification process. Additionally, these scanners can be susceptible to skimming if not properly secured, so it’s crucial to implement adequate protective measures.
3) Smart Card and RFID Scanners
Smart card and RFID scanners represent more advanced technology in ID scanning. These devices use radio frequency identification (RFID) to read cards without direct contact. This makes them ideal for high-volume environments where rapid scanning is essential.
These scanners provide enhanced security by verifying IDs with embedded chips and can be more challenging for counterfeiters to replicate. For bars looking to future-proof their operations, investing in RFID technology may be a smart choice.
Key Considerations When Choosing an ID Scanner for Bars
Selecting the right ID scanner involves evaluating several important factors to ensure it meets your bar’s specific needs.
1) Accuracy and Reliability
The main purpose of an ID scanner is to accurately verify IDs. Look for scanners with a proven track record of reliability in reading various types of ID formats. Accuracy is important in preventing fraudulent activities and ensuring that your establishment only serves legal-age customers.
2) Document Authentication
Advanced ID scanners offer document authentication features that detect counterfeit IDs by examining security elements like holograms and ultraviolet markings. These features provide an additional layer of protection against sophisticated fake IDs, making them essential for high-risk environments.
3) Compliance with Regulations
Ensure that the scanner you choose complies with local and national regulations regarding age verification. Compliance is not just about avoiding fines; it also builds trust with customers and demonstrates your commitment to responsible service.
4) Ease of Use and Integration
Your ID scanner should be user-friendly to minimize training requirements for your staff. Additionally, consider how easily the scanner integrates with your current point-of-sale (POS) system. Seamless integration can enhance efficiency and ensure a smooth customer experience.
5) Durability and Reliability
Bar environments can be tough on equipment, so durability is vital. Choose scanners made from high-quality materials that can withstand drops or spills. A reliable scanner reduces downtime and maintenance costs, allowing you to focus on serving your customers.
6) Data Storage and Reporting
Some ID scanners offer data storage and reporting capabilities, which can be valuable for tracking patron demographics and identifying trends. This feature can also aid in compliance audits and provide insights for marketing strategies.
7) Support for Multiple ID Types
Your scanner should be capable of reading a wide range of ID types, including driver’s licenses, military IDs, and passports. This versatility ensures that you can accommodate customers from various regions and backgrounds.
8) Fake ID Detection Capabilities
Sophisticated fake ID detection features are a must-have for any bar. Look for scanners that can identify common indicators of counterfeit IDs, such as inconsistencies in design or altered data fields.
9) Real-Time Data Verification
Real-time data verification allows your scanner to cross-reference IDs against a database instantly, providing immediate feedback and reducing the risk of human error. This feature is especially useful in busy bar environments where speed is critical.
5 Best ID Scanners for Bars (Product Comparisons)
When choosing an ID scanner for your bar, it’s helpful to consider popular models on the market.
Here we provide a brief overview of some top-rated scanners:
FTx Identity
Key Features:
- Age & Identity Verification: This feature makes it easy to verify customer identities and ages, boosting customer loyalty and brand trust while fighting fraud and ensuring compliance.
- Data Extraction: FTx Identity automates the identity verification process, which streamlines KYC procedures, reduces customer drop-offs, speeds up onboarding, and improves conversion rates.
- Proof of Verification: This involves verifying selfies using mobile technology, anti-spoofing measures, and biometric matching to quickly confirm identities for remote onboarding worldwide.
- AI-Based Verification: The platform uses AI to detect advanced fraud, like forged documents or biometric spoofing, and integrates smoothly across different channels to enable quick customer onboarding.
- Identity Scan Solutions: This technology automates the scanning and capturing of data from global documents using AI and computer vision, improving customer onboarding and minimizing risks related to sensitive data disclosure.
- Biometric Authentication: With 3D liveness detection, this feature ensures secure and fast user authentication, lowering false acceptance rates and preventing sophisticated fraud attempts.
Best For: Bars and clubs, retail and ecommerce, tobacco and cigars, CBD, liquor, gaming and lottery, insurance, cannabis, banking, convenience stores, tattoo/piercing shops, Fintech, grocery, healthcare, gym, crypto
IDVisor Smart V2
Key Features:
- User-Friendly: Easy-to-use interface with clear alerts and notifications.
- Wide Compatibility: Reads IDs from all 50 US states, Canadian provinces, and military IDs.
- Age Calculation: Automatically determines the age of the ID holder.
- Customer Management: Stores customer information and allows tagging (e.g., VIP, Banned).
Best For: Bars and nightclubs, retail stores, government agencies, casinos, pharmacies
Patronscan
Key Features:
- Advanced Fake ID Detection: Employs AI and machine learning to spot fake IDs.
- Data Analytics: Offers insights into customer demographics and trends.
- Integration Capabilities: Easily connects with current POS and security systems.
- Real-Time Alerts: Alerts staff about potential security threats or underage individuals.
Best For: Bars and nightclubs, retail, vape shops, dispensaries, telecom, automotive, property management, financial services
Fraud Fighter ID-150
Key Features:
- Multi-Spectral Imaging: Detects security features and potential forgeries using visible and infrared light.
- Magnetic Stripe Reader: Reads data from magnetic stripes on ID cards.
- Smart Card Reader: Accesses information from smart chips embedded in ID cards.
- Digital Watermark Detection: Recognizes digital watermarks on documents.
Best For: Bars and nightclubs, hotels and casinos, retail stores, government agencies, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies.
IDWare Falcon
Key Features:
- ID and Passport Scanning: The Falcon scans driver’s licenses and passports from North America and other countries.
- Age Verification: It automatically checks the age of the person showing the ID to ensure compliance with age restrictions.
- Touchscreen Interface: The device features a touchscreen for easy navigation and data entry.
- Third-Party Integrations: It can connect with third-party systems for extra verification or data collection.
Best For: Bars and nightclubs, hotels and resorts, events and conferences, retail stores
Which ID Scanner is Best for Your Bar?
Choosing the right ID scanner comes down to your bar’s specific needs and priorities. Be sure to do your homework on security features, ease of use, and integration capabilities when making your decision. Visiting product pages and speaking with sales representatives can also provide additional insights tailored to your situation.
Ultimately, investing in a reliable ID scanner protects your bar from potential legal issues and enhances the safety and enjoyment of your customers. By using advanced technology for age verification, you ensure a welcoming and responsible environment for all visitors.
To discover how FTx Identity can benefit your bar, contact us today to schedule a consultation and see a demo!