ID Verification
ID verification is your first line of defense against serving minors. This topic covers acceptable forms of photo ID in Ontario, the three key checks (photo match, date of birth, expiry), the Challenge 25 policy, handling suspected fake IDs, and digital ID rules.
Study Guide: ID Verification
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: Which of the following is a valid form of photo ID for purchasing alcohol in Ontario?
- A. Gym membership card
- B. Library card
- C. Student card
- D. Ontario driver's licence ✓
In Ontario, acceptable photo ID for alcohol purchases includes: Ontario driver's licence, Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship card with photo, BYID card (Bring Your ID), and Canadian Armed Forces ID.
Q2: What is a BYID card?
- A. Bartender Youth ID — for junior servers
- B. Business Youth Identification — for underage employees
- C. Bring Your Identification Document — a government-issued age-of-majority card ✓
- D. Buy Your ID — a commercial ID service
BYID (Bring Your ID) is an Ontario age-of-majority card issued by the AGCO. It is specifically designed as valid photo ID for purchasing alcohol and entering licensed venues.
Q3: When checking an ID, what should you verify first?
- A. The card's barcode
- B. That the photo matches the person presenting the ID ✓
- C. The cardholder's weight
- D. The cardholder's address
Always verify that the photo on the ID matches the person presenting it. This is the most important check to prevent underage or fraudulent use of someone else's ID.
Q4: A patron presents an ID that appears altered. What should you do?
- A. Call the patron's parents
- B. Refuse service and report the suspected fake ID ✓
- C. Destroy the ID
- D. Accept it anyway
If you suspect an ID is fake or altered, refuse service. You may inform management and, depending on house policy, report it to authorities. Never confiscate or destroy the ID.
Q5: Should you ask for ID from everyone, or only those who look young?
- A. Only people who look under 19
- B. Only if your manager tells you to
- C. Everyone, regardless of apparent age
- D. Only people under 25 — it's called "Challenge 25" ✓
Many establishments follow a "Challenge 25" policy — asking for ID from anyone who appears to be under 25. This provides a safety margin above the legal age of 19.
Q6: Is an expired driver's licence acceptable as ID for purchasing alcohol?
- A. Yes, the photo is still valid
- B. No, expired ID is not considered valid ✓
- C. Only if the patron seems honest
- D. Yes, if it expired within the last year
Expired ID is not considered valid for the purpose of purchasing alcohol. The ID must be current and government-issued with a photo, date of birth, and not expired.
Q7: A patron cannot produce valid ID but claims to be over 19. Should you serve them?
- A. No, you must refuse service without valid ID ✓
- B. Yes, if they look old enough
- C. Yes, if they promise to bring ID next time
- D. Yes, if a friend vouches for them
If a patron cannot produce valid ID and you have reason to believe they may be underage, you must refuse service. "No ID, no service" protects you and the establishment.
Q8: When checking a date of birth on an ID, you should confirm the patron is at least:
- A. 19 years old ✓
- B. 21 years old
- C. 16 years old
- D. 18 years old
In Ontario, the legal drinking age is 19. When checking the date of birth, calculate whether the patron has reached their 19th birthday.
Ready to practice all 41 questions? Start the interactive quiz below.