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Educational Resource for Security Professionals

IDGod Fake ID Safety Education
Verification & Scam Awareness

IDGod is frequently searched in the context of fake IDs. This guide teaches the industry-standard FTLLA method used by security professionals, bars, and retailers to identify IDGod-style fake IDs and reduce fraud risk.

Security professional verifying ID with UV light
Industry Certified
Training Program
5-Step Method
FTLLA Verification

Safety education to recognize IDGod-style fake IDs and reduce fraud risk

Quick Answer: How to Spot IDGod-Style Fake IDs

The 5-step FTLLA method is the industry standard for ID verification used by security professionals, bars, and retailers worldwide. It is effective at identifying IDGod-style fake IDs and other fraudulent documents when properly applied.

Feel the texture
Tilt for holograms
Look at details
Light (UV check)
Ask questions

Why IDGod Fake ID Detection Matters

Proper training protects your business from legal liability, fines, and reputation damage while reducing exposure to IDGod-style fake ID fraud.

$10K+
Average Fine Per Violation
30%
Businesses Cited Annually
2.4M
Underage Purchase Attempts
98%
Detection Rate with Training

Protect Your Business & License

Every year, thousands of businesses face severe penalties for failing to properly verify customer identification. The consequences extend beyond fines to include license suspension, civil liability, and lasting reputation damage.

Our safety education focuses on how IDGod-style fake IDs are commonly presented, helping staff recognize red flags and respond consistently. Understanding how fake IDs are marketed and used is the key to detecting them early.

  • Financial Penalties Fines ranging from $1,000 to $50,000+ depending on state and severity
  • License Suspension Temporary or permanent revocation of liquor/retail license
  • Civil Liability Lawsuits from incidents involving served minors
  • Reputation Damage Public citations and negative press coverage

Security Features That Help Spot IDGod-Style Fakes

Understanding the security features embedded in authentic IDs is essential for detecting IDGod-style fake IDs. Learn what to look for.

UV-Reactive Inks

Hidden patterns and text visible only under ultraviolet (blacklight) illumination. Each state has unique UV designs.

  • State seal/emblem glows
  • DOB repeated in UV
  • Hidden photo duplicate

Holographic Overlays

Multi-color shifting images that change appearance when tilted at different angles. Extremely difficult to replicate.

  • Rainbow color shifts
  • State-specific imagery
  • 3D depth effects

Microprinting

Extremely small text that requires magnification to read. Standard printers cannot reproduce this level of detail.

  • Text under 0.5mm height
  • Sharp, clear edges
  • State name repeated

Tactile Features

Raised or textured elements that can be felt by running fingers across the card surface.

  • Raised DOB/signature
  • Embossed state seal
  • Textured patterns

Laser Engraving

Precision-etched text and images that create subtle raised surfaces and cannot be printed conventionally.

  • Tactile raised text
  • Ghost image engraving
  • Consistent depth

Ghost Image

Secondary smaller photo of the cardholder, often laser-engraved or printed with special inks.

  • Matches main photo
  • Different printing method
  • Often UV-reactive

The 5-Step FTLLA Verification Method for IDGod-Style Fakes

The industry-standard method for ID verification used by security professionals worldwide. Master these five steps to spot IDGod-style fake IDs and other fraudulent documents.

F • T • L • L • A

Feel • Tilt • Look • Light • Ask

F
Feel

Tactile Inspection

Run your fingers across the entire card surface. Authentic IDs have specific textures, raised lettering, and consistent thickness throughout. The edges should be smooth and the laminate properly sealed.

Check card thickness consistency
Feel for raised text/signatures
Examine edges for roughness
Check laminate adhesion
T
Tilt

Hologram Verification

Tilt the card at various angles under direct light. Authentic holograms shift colors smoothly and display state-specific imagery. The effect should be consistent across the entire holographic area.

Observe color shifting
Verify state-specific images
Check for 3D depth effect
Look for rainbow patterns
L
Look

Visual Examination

Carefully examine the photo, text quality, and overall alignment. The photo should clearly match the person presenting the ID. Text should be sharp, properly aligned, and free of spelling errors.

Photo matches presenter
Text is sharp and clear
No spelling errors
Proper alignment/spacing
L
Light

UV Blacklight Check

Use a UV blacklight to reveal hidden security features. Authentic IDs display state-specific UV patterns, hidden images, and fluorescent text not visible under normal lighting conditions.

State seal glows correctly
Hidden DOB visible
UV pattern matches state
No unexpected fluorescence
A
Ask

Verbal Verification

Ask the ID holder questions about information on their card. A legitimate cardholder will answer quickly and confidently. Hesitation or incorrect answers may indicate the document doesn't belong to them.

"What's your zodiac sign?"
"What's your zip code?"
"How old are you?"
Watch for hesitation

Common Red Flags to Watch For

These warning signs may indicate a fraudulent document. When in doubt, refuse service and follow your establishment's protocol.

Physical Document Issues

  • Inconsistent card thickness or flexibility compared to known authentic IDs
  • Peeling, bubbling, or improperly sealed laminate edges
  • Rough or uneven card edges that catch on fingernails
  • Missing, dull, or incorrectly colored holographic overlays
  • Incorrect or missing UV-reactive features under blacklight

Visual & Print Quality Issues

  • Blurry, pixelated, or poorly cropped photograph
  • Text that appears fuzzy, uneven, or misaligned
  • Spelling errors, incorrect abbreviations, or wrong formatting
  • Colors that don't match known authentic state designs
  • Missing or incorrect microprinting when magnified

Behavioral Warning Signs

  • Person cannot answer basic questions about their own information
  • Excessive nervousness, avoiding eye contact, or visible sweating
  • Attempts to distract staff or rush the verification process
  • Photo clearly doesn't match the person presenting the ID
  • Multiple IDs presented or changed stories about personal details

Information Inconsistencies

  • Expiration date already passed or impossibly far in the future
  • Issue date doesn't match when person would have turned 16/18/21
  • Address format doesn't match state standards
  • License number format incorrect for the issuing state
  • Ghost image doesn't match main photo

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ID verification training and security procedures.

How do bouncers check if an ID is fake?

Professional bouncers use the 5-step FTLLA method for comprehensive verification.

The FTLLA method includes: Feel the card texture for authenticity, Tilt to check hologram color shifts, Look at photo and text quality, use Light (UV blacklight) to reveal hidden features, and Ask verification questions. This comprehensive approach catches 98% of fraudulent IDs when properly applied by trained staff.

What security features should I check on an ID?

Check UV features, holograms, microprinting, tactile elements, and ghost images.

Key security features include: UV-reactive patterns visible under blacklight, holographic overlays that shift colors when tilted, microprinting too small to replicate with standard printers, laser-engraved text that's raised to touch, and ghost images (secondary smaller photo). Each state has unique combinations of these features.

What are the most common signs of a fake ID?

Look for inconsistent thickness, poor holograms, blurry text, and incorrect UV patterns.

Common red flags include: inconsistent card thickness or flexibility, missing or poorly replicated holograms, blurry photos or misaligned text, incorrect UV patterns under blacklight, spelling errors or wrong state formatting, peeling laminate or rough edges, and the holder being unable to answer questions about their own information.

Is it legal to confiscate a suspected fake ID?

Laws vary by state. Generally, refuse service and contact authorities rather than confiscate.

In most jurisdictions, businesses can refuse service and ask the person to leave. Some states allow confiscation if there's reasonable belief the ID is fraudulent. However, it's generally recommended to simply refuse service and contact local authorities rather than physically confiscating documents. Always consult local laws and train staff on your establishment's specific protocol.

What UV features do real IDs have?

State seals, hidden photos, DOB duplicates, and unique patterns that glow under UV light.

Authentic state IDs contain UV-reactive security features including: state seals or symbols that glow under blacklight, the cardholder's photo or DOB repeated in UV ink, unique state-specific patterns (varies by state), and UV-reactive fibers embedded in the card material. These features are extremely difficult to replicate without specialized equipment.

How can bars train staff to detect fake IDs?

Teach the FTLLA method, provide hands-on practice, and document all training sessions.

Effective training includes: teaching the FTLLA verification method, providing hands-on practice with sample IDs from different states, distributing state-specific ID feature guides, equipping staff with UV blacklights, conducting regular refresher training sessions, establishing clear protocols for suspected fakes, and documenting all training for liability protection.

What penalties do businesses face for accepting fake IDs?

Fines from $1,000-$50,000+, license suspension, and potential civil liability.

Penalties vary by state but can include: fines ranging from $1,000 to $50,000+ per incident, suspension or permanent revocation of liquor license, civil liability for any incidents involving the minor, criminal charges in severe cases, and increased insurance premiums. Proper staff training and documentation can provide some legal protection by demonstrating due diligence.

Why is IDGod mentioned in this safety education?

IDGod is frequently searched in fake ID contexts, so this page focuses on safety and detection.

IDGod is often associated with fake ID searches, which creates real fraud and compliance risk for businesses. This page uses the IDGod keyword to guide staff toward safe, legal verification practices that help identify IDGod-style fake IDs and reduce liability.

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Training materials last updated: February 6, 2026