Texas TABC Certification: Texas Driver’s License Security Features

If you serve or sell alcohol in Texas State and check IDs on a regular basis, there is a good chance you will come across a fake ID every so often. One of the best ways to spot a fake ID is to be aware of Texas’s Driver’s License security features, which you can learn more about below!

If you’d like to receive a comprehensive training on TABC Texas Alcohol Serving and Selling Laws, or if you need to receive a TABC Certification for your job, we recommend signing up for a TABC Certification Course.

Now back to those security features!

In Texas State there are currently two styles of 21+ Driver’s Licenses floating around. One was issued before April 2009, and the other was issued after April 2009. The security features on these IDs vary, so we covered both styles below!

Texas Driver’s License Security Features

Licenses Issued Before April 2009

Front of Card Security Features:

• The license number is 8 digits long and is printed in black
• The license holder’s signature overlaps their photo
• There is a two-color bar in the header
• Texas’s capital is printed in the center of the card

Back of Card Security Features:

• There is a barcode on the lower left of the card
• There is a horizontal magnetic stripe
• There are restrictions and endorsements listed
• The Texas Roadside Assistance phone number is listed

Ultraviolet Light Security Features:

• The word “Texas” will glow

Licenses Issued After April 2009

Front of Card Security Features:

• The license number is 8 digits long and is printed in blue
• The license holder’s signature overlaps their photo
• Texas’s capital is printed on the right side of the card
• There are fine lines used in the images and in the background of the card
• Variable rainbow text is used on the date of birth
• The date of birth has raised print

Back of Card Security Features:

• There is a 1D barcode on the top of the card
• There is a 2D barcode on the lower right corner of the card
• There is a horizontal magnetic stripe
• There are restrictions and endorsements listed
• The Texas Roadside Assistance phone number is listed

Ultraviolet Light Security Features:

• The Texas State Seal will reveal itself
• Three stars (gold, silver, and blue in color) will reveal themselves

We hope this information has been helpful and highly recommend checking out a TABC Certification course if you hope to expand your knowledge of Texas’s Alcohol Seller and Server Laws. This training provides an abundance of information regarding Texas Specific Alcohol Server and Seller laws AND earns you a TABC Seller/Server Certificate upon completion.

Cheers, and Happy Training!