2.1 When to Check ID

Checking identification is your first line of defense against serving minors. Knowing when and how to check IDs is critical for responsible alcohol service.

Legal Drinking Age

In all 50 US states, the legal drinking age is 21.

This applies to:

• Purchasing alcohol
• Possessing alcohol
• Consuming alcohol in public

When to Ask for ID

Always ask for ID when:

• The customer appears to be under 30-40 (varies by company policy)
• You have any doubt about the customer's age
• The customer is with a group of younger people
• It's your establishment's policy

Many businesses use these guidelines:

• Ask everyone who appears under 30 (common)
• Ask everyone who appears under 40 (more conservative)
• Ask everyone regardless of age (strictest)

Best Practice: When in doubt, check the ID. A customer may be annoyed, but you'll be protected legally.

Acceptable Forms of ID

Valid government-issued IDs:

Generally NOT acceptable:

• Student IDs
• Work badges
• Credit cards
• Foreign driver's licenses (varies by state)
• Birth certificates (no photo)

The Three-Step ID Check

1. FEEL - Check for tampered edges, thick laminate, rough spots
2. TILT - Look for holographic features, color-shifting inks
3. LOOK - Compare photo to person, verify birthdate, check expiration

Calculating Age from Birthdate

To be 21 today, the customer must have been born on or before today's date 21 years ago.

Example: If today is January 24, 2026:

• Customer born January 24, 2005 or earlier = 21+ (OK to serve)
• Customer born January 25, 2005 or later = Under 21 (REFUSE)

For the Exam: Practice calculating ages quickly. Know that someone is NOT 21 until AFTER midnight on their 21st birthday.