Checking IDs and Preventing Underage Service
In the US, the legal drinking age is 21. Serving alcohol to anyone under 21 is illegal and one of the most serious mistakes a bartender can make.
✓How to check an ID properly:
- Ask for ID from anyone who appears under 30 — when in doubt, always ask
- Check the date of birth and confirm the customer is 21 or older
- Check the expiration date — an expired ID is not valid
- Look for signs of a fake ID — bent edges, blurry photos, mismatched information
- Compare the photo to the person in front of you
✓Acceptable forms of ID:
- Driver's license
- State ID card
- US passport or passport card
- Military ID
If you are not sure an ID is real, you can legally refuse service. It is always better to refuse a borderline case than to risk serving a minor. The law protects you when you say no.