ServSafe Alcohol Practice Exam

What is a common indication that an individual is a minor when reviewing ID?

1. Placing the words "secure", "genuine", or "valid" on the ID

2. Issuing the ID in a vertical form

3. Removing the minor's signature from the ID

4. Placing pictures of keys on the ID

The correct answer is: Issuing the ID in a vertical form

A common indication that an individual is a minor when reviewing ID is the vertical format of the ID. Many states design their identification cards for individuals under a certain age, typically 21, to be in a vertical orientation. This design purposefully differentiates them from IDs issued to adults, which are usually horizontal. The vertical format serves as a quick visual cue for those in the service industry, allowing them to easily recognize that the person is likely underage and therefore is not legally eligible to purchase or consume alcohol. The other indications do not reliably signify a person's age or present accurate identification practices. For instance, the use of terms like "secure", "genuine", or "valid", while important for verifying the authenticity of an ID, does not specifically indicate age. Similarly, a minor's signature being removed does not pertain to age identification; rather, it involves validity and acceptance of the ID. Finally, the presence of pictures of keys on the ID does not provide meaningful context relevant to age verification. Thus, the clear use of vertical formatting is a practical standard for differentiating minors in ID checks.