California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Alcohol Practice Exam

Which type of ID is acceptable without a physical description of the holder?

1. State issued ID card

2. Military ID

3. Government issued passport

4. Employee ID

The correct answer is: Government issued passport

A government-issued passport is acceptable without a physical description of the holder because it serves as an official identification that typically includes a photograph and other essential identification details. While passports generally include physical characteristics such as height or eye color, these details are not always scrutinized as rigorously compared to other forms of identification that require precise physical descriptions. A passport is a universally recognized form of identification, especially for identifying age and nationality when purchasing alcohol. Its widespread acceptance stems from the fact that it is issued by a national authority, which adds to its credibility and reliability. In alcohol sales contexts, the critical factor is that it provides enough information to confirm the person’s age and identity without necessitating a detailed physical description. Other forms of ID, such as state-issued ID cards, military IDs, and employee IDs, may require more detailed descriptions or additional context to verify identity and are often not as widely accepted for age verification as a passport is.