California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Alcohol Practice Exam

Which technique is best for determining the validity of an ID?

1. Compare to a social media profile

2. Compare the signature on the ID to a first signature given by the ID holder

3. Check the ID against a database

4. Request additional forms of identification

The correct answer is: Compare the signature on the ID to a first signature given by the ID holder

The technique of comparing the signature on the ID to a first signature given by the ID holder is effective for determining the validity of an ID because signatures are unique to individuals and can provide a clear indication of authenticity. When an individual presents an ID, they can be asked to sign their name, allowing you to directly compare this signature to the one printed on the ID. If the signatures match, it supports the validity of the ID. This method is particularly useful in environments where confirming the identity of the person is crucial, such as in bars, liquor stores, or venues requiring age verification. It's a straightforward approach that relies on the individual's own written representation, which is difficult to forge accurately. Comparing the ID to a social media profile may not provide reliable verification, as profiles can be faked or not up to date. Checking the ID against a database can be useful, but access to such databases is often limited. Requesting additional forms of identification could provide further confirmation, but it does not directly assess the authenticity of the initial ID itself. Thus, the signature comparison stands out as a direct and effective method for validating someone's identification.