Discussion: Addressing Scannability Concerns
Let’s talk about scannability. It’s the one thing everyone asks about, and for good reason. If a novelty ID doesn’t scan, it’s basically just a piece of plastic. I’ve heard some concerns lately about whether "scannable" truly means "reliable" in every situation. I wanted to start a discussion to clear some things up.
Most vendors today use 2D barcodes (PDF417) that are encoded with your specific information. The key is how that information is formatted. If the data isn’t in the exact sequence and format that the official scanners expect, the card will flag an error. It’s not just about the barcode being "there"—it has to be perfect.
What Makes a Barcode Truly Reliable?
- Correct Encoding: The data must be encoded using the specific standards used by the jurisdiction (AAMVA standards for the US and Canada).
- Print Resolution: The barcode itself must be printed with high resolution so that the scanner can read the tiny dots and lines without errors.
- Data Matching: The information in the barcode must exactly match the information printed on the front of the card.
I’ve tested my recent orders with several popular scanning apps, and they have all passed with flying colors. However, it’s important to remember that some specialized professional scanners look for more than just the barcode. What are your recent experiences? Are you seeing any specific states or vendors that are currently leading the way in scannability? Let’s share some data.
