FAQ

Q. Which ID Scanner Product is best suited for my needs?

A.  The first question is what state's driver licenses are frequently presented in your establishment.  We have solutions which read just Magnetic Striped licenses (IDVisor Deluxe) or the IDVisor Z22 Mobile or CounterTop packages which read both Magnetic and 2D bar code licenses .  Visit our coverage chart to see what states have what technology.  If you need to read licenses with a 2D bar code, then you must purchase one of the IDVisor Z22 packages.  For example, if you are in a Magnetic stripe state like California or Ohio and don't see that many licenses from 2D bar codes states, then the IDVisor Deluxe (Magnetic stripe only version) may work just fine.  If your in New York or a location with lots of out of state visitors, then one of the Z22 packages is required.

The next question is do you need a mobile unit that runs on batteries or will it be stationary.  The IDVisor Deluxe and Z22 Mobile are portable.  The Z22 Mobile plugs into the wall to charge its internal batteries (much like a cell phone) and can remain plugged in indefinitely.   The IDVisor Z22 CounterTop must be plugged into wall power to work and is perfect for liquor, convenience stores and bars which plan to station it near a power outlet. 

Q. How much does the compliance software cost?

A. If you have Microsoft Excel, then it is FREE!  All CardVisor packages come with the hardware and software necessary to transfer the transaction data to a desktop PC.  The user manual details the process to transfer this data to Microsoft Excel or Access.  No need to pay a couple extra hundred dollars to maintain proof of due diligence which is important in states which provide an affirmative defense when an electronic age verification device was used to check age prior to a sale.  From Excel, the data can be exported to PC desktop contact management applications like ACT or Goldmine. 

Q. How much does the Address Label software cost?

A. Again, if you have Microsoft Word, it is FREE! All packages record address information, so creating mailing labels using Microsoft Word is rather straightforward.  We provide a mailing labels application note detailing the process.  No need to pay a few extra hundred bucks to have compliance reporting software and print address labels.

Q. How much do software updates to the ID Scanner cost?  I understand these are necessary as jurisdictions  change the drivers license formats.

A. Nothing - They are a FREE download from our web site  - Click here to see them.

Q. Can an email address or phone number be added to the contact information?

A. Yes.  The VIP/Banned list software upgrade includes an append notes feature.  Click here for details.

Q. Does ID Scanner work in my state or province?

A. See the coverage map for jurisdictions with magnetic striped and/or 2D bar code driver’s licenses.  Note that some states have recently started or changed the technology they use and remember that it will take 3 to 5 years to convert all licenses to the new technology.  In addition, a small number of states have protected some or all of the information on the machine-readable magnetic stripe.  Finally, as license formats change, we are constantly updating our software to handle new formats.

Q. Does the Scanner keep a count of IDs read?

A. Yes.  Each time a license is read, it creates a memo in the MemoPad application.  Whenever a Memo is selected, it will say 'Memo X of YYYY' at the top of the screen.  By noting the number of memos present at the start of the shift, you can calculate the number of swipes by subtracting the current number of memos from the starting number.  Note: the number of licenses read will be an approximation of the total number of people entering a club because some licenses will not have readable technology or may have damaged stripes, but it should be pretty close in locations where each visitor's license is swiped.

Q. What is included with a CardVisor ID Scanner?

A. All CardVisor packages are complete with everything you need to start using them right away. Each package contains a version of the CardVisor age verification software, a CardTool® reader, a Handspring Palm OS handheld computer, a HotSync cradle, connectivity desktop software installation CD, and batteries (either built in or removable).  The bar code reader packages add a bar code reader cradle and appropriate power supply/Hotsync cables.  For packages with removable batteries, just install the batteries in the handheld computer, set the date/time and start swiping cards.  For packages with built in batteries, we charge them before shipping so licenses can be checked as soon as the box is opened.     

Q. What is the AntiPassBack feature?

A. The AntiPass back feature alarms if an ID is rescanned in the same evening.  This typically happens when kids try to share the same ID.  There are other benefits to this feature, Click here for details.

Q. What is the VIP/Banned watch list feature?

A. The VIP/Banned watch list feature allows individuals to be identified as either VIPs or Banned individuals when their license is swiped.  This speeds the identification of significant individuals and automates the identification process.  In a large club with several bouncers, this feature helps in identifying trouble makers at the door.  

The VIP/Banned software also includes the append notes feature.  This allows the operator to add notes such as a phone number, email address or comment.  Click here for details.

Q. Does the VIP/Banned list feature require the ID scanner to be connected to a computer?

A. Unlike many ID scanners that use a watch list database, CardVisor software uses a database stored in the handheld computer's memory.  There is no need to run a wire to a desktop PC to use this feature!

Q. Is a computer required to use the Scanner?

A. No.  The handheld will automatically manage the captured data that allows you to browse the information stored in the transaction log directly from the main screen.  You can also set the date/time in the main screen so no PC is required.  A computer is required if you want to save the transaction data or create a customer database for mailings, etc.  The handheld will automatically delete the oldest transaction data so that only the last 6000 or 9000 swipes (depending on hardware) are held in memory.

Q. How will I know the battery status?

A. The handheld has a built in battery meter which is visible at the top from the main launch screen.  When the battery voltage gets too low, the handheld will start issuing warnings advising that the batteries should be changed.  There are 'mild' and 'severe' warnings.  If the batteries drain to the point where your handheld does not operate, it enters a hibernation mode and stores your data safely for a couple days. There is enough residual energy in the batteries to store the data, but not enough to turn on your handheld. If your handheld does not turn on when you press the power button, you should replace the batteries immediately.

Q. What are the system requirements for the desktop software?

A. Either a Windows (98, ME, Win2K, XP for USB; or, 95/NT for Serial port) or Macintosh computer.  See the right column on the software page for details.

Q. What kind of connection is required on my computers?

A. A USB port is the standard approach.  If you have a computer without a USB port, a serial HotSync cradle is sold separately. 

Q. What information is saved when an ID is scanned?

A. All units calculates the age, generate a warning when underage or expired and save the license number, date of birth, expiration date, status of the swipe (OK, under 18, expired, etc.), date and time of swipe plus contact information such as first name, middle name, last name, title, address, and city, state, zip, and gender. 

Q. Will CardVisor help detect a fake ID?

A. Yes, it will certainly help.  For example, if the printed date of birth or expiration date is altered using a pen, then the ID scanner will read the encoded information and display an underage/expired warning.  Another possibility is the encoded information doesn't match what is printed on the front of the license (e.g. John Smith is printed on the front, but Mary Jones is encoded on the stripe).  In this case, the ID scanner will not produce a warning so the operator will need to cross check the displayed information. 

However, if somebody spends enough money to create a very good fake ID, then no ID scanner will be able to detect that it is a fake.  For example, if an exact copy of the front and back of a license is printed with changes only to the photo, and the person using the license matches the photo and physical descriptors (e.g. weight, height, eye color) then it is almost impossible to detect.   

The bottom line is that merchants serving age sensitive products are expected to make a reasonable effort when checking IDs.  They are not expected to detect a 'perfect' fake ID (one that would fool most fake ID experts).  That is why many states provide an affirmative defense when using an ID scanner to check IDs.  See the next section for more details.   

Q. What does 'Affirmative Defense' mean?

A. Affirmative Defense: It is a defense that all of the following occurred: (a) a cardholder presented a driver's license or an identity card; (b) a transaction scan indicated that the license or card was valid; and (c) the alcohol/tobacco was sold, given away or otherwise distributed to the cardholder in reasonable reliance upon the identification presented and the completed transaction scan. A seller or seller's employee must still exercise reasonable diligence: the use of a transaction scan device does not excuse a seller or seller's employee from exercising such reasonable diligence to determine whether the purchaser is eighteen years of age or older and whether the description and picture appearing on the driver's license or identity card presented by a cardholder is that of the cardholder. 

Q. Do your age verifiers read 1D barcodes as well as magnetic stripes?

A. No, we do not read 1D bar codes since they have very limited amounts of information and the industry is moving towards 2D bar codes which store significantly more data.

Q. Will the CardVisor ID Scanner work with Military ID cards?

A. Yes. As of January 2005, Military ID cards can now be read with the bar code scanner.  Existing customers may upgrade for free by downloading new software available in the software download section.

Q. What are your warranty and return policies?

A. Click here to see our store Payment, Shipments, Warranty and Return policies.