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.



                               UNITED STATES LICENSES


       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. The Michigan drivers license has the State Seal in the center of the back
       ground of the template and then the words "BUCKLE UP" at a 45 degree angle on the
       background seal. The laminate on the front has a series of miniature State Seals embossed
       into the laminate across horizontally and then in rows from top to bottom.

       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.



                                  CANADIAN LICENSES


       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.


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