Which is NOT true about a vertical ID?
ID was issued when he/she was under age 18 or 21.
Date when he/she turns 18 or 21 is indicated below the ghost portrait.
Once the licensee turns 21, they must get a new license.
Businesses may not accept this ID.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: Once the licensee turns 21, they must get a new license. (This is NOT true.)
Explanation (Approx. 300 words):
In many U.S. states, driver’s licenses or state identification cards are issued in vertical format for individuals who are under the age of 21. This helps businesses and law enforcement easily identify minors who may not legally purchase alcohol, tobacco, or engage in other age-restricted activities. The vertical orientation acts as a visual cue that the individual is not yet of legal drinking age.
Here’s what is true about vertical IDs:
- Issued when under 18 or 21: Vertical IDs are specifically issued to individuals under 21, and in some cases even under 18, depending on state laws. This indicates the individual’s age status at the time the ID was issued.
- Date of turning 18 or 21 indicated: Most vertical IDs include a printed date showing when the holder will turn 18 or 21, usually displayed near or under a “ghost” portrait (a faint secondary image of the individual). This further helps clerks or law enforcement quickly assess eligibility for age-restricted activities.
- Businesses may reject the ID: Some businesses, especially those with strict alcohol policies, may choose not to accept vertical IDs—even if the person is now 21 or older. This is often done to avoid the risk of mistakenly serving alcohol to underage individuals.
What is NOT true is the statement: “Once the licensee turns 21, they must get a new license.”
This is false because there is no legal requirement in most states that a person must immediately obtain a new horizontal ID upon turning 21. The vertical ID remains valid until its expiration date, even after the individual turns 21. However, many individuals choose to update to a horizontal ID voluntarily, especially if required by certain businesses or if they want to avoid confusio