What a driver license scanner does

A driver license scanner is a device that reads the magnetic stripe, barcode, or chip embedded in your driver license and pulls out the information stored there. When a police officer, bartender, or bouncer swipes or scans your license, they are using one of these readers. The scanner extracts your name, address, date of birth, license number, and other details without you having to say anything.

Most modern licenses in the United States have a barcode on the back that holds the same information printed on the front. Some states also use magnetic stripes (the dark band on the back of older licenses) or embedded chips. A scanner reads whichever format your state uses and displays the data on a screen or sends it to a database.

If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, understanding how scanners work matters because your new license will have the same encoded information as your old one. The scanner will read your new license the same way it read the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver license scanners read barcodes, magnetic stripes, or chips to pull your personal information directly from the license without manual entry.
  • Your replacement license will have the same encoded data as your original, so scanners will work with it when ready after you receive it.
  • Barcodes on the back of licenses are the most common format in the United States; magnetic stripes are older and less common now.
  • Scanners are used by law enforcement, businesses checking age, and other organizations that need to verify your identity quickly.
  • Your new license number may be different from your old one, and that new number is what will be encoded in the barcode.

Barcode versus magnetic stripe versus chip

Most states now use a barcode on the back of the driver license. When scanned, it displays all your license information on the reader's screen. Barcodes are fast, reliable, and do not wear out from repeated scanning like magnetic stripes do.

Older licenses and licenses from some states still use a magnetic stripe — the dark band on the back. A magnetic reader swipes the license through a slot, similar to how old credit card readers worked. Magnetic stripes can degrade over time if the license is bent or exposed to strong magnets, which is why many states have moved away from them.

A small number of states have begun embedding RFID chips or other microchips in licenses, though this is not yet widespread. These chips store the same information as a barcode but can be read from a distance without physical contact. Your state's DMV website will tell you which format your replacement license will use.

What information is encoded in your license

The barcode, stripe, or chip on your license contains the same information that is printed on the front and back: your full name, date of birth, address, license number, issue date, expiration date, and any restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving privileges).

Some states also encode your signature, eye color, height, and organ donor status. A few states include your Social Security number, though this practice is becoming less common due to privacy concerns. The exact data varies by state.

When you receive a replacement license, your new license number will be encoded in the barcode or stripe. This is important to know because your old license number will no longer work if anyone tries to scan it. Your new number is what will appear when someone scans your replacement license.

How scanners are used in real situations

Police officers use handheld or vehicle-mounted license scanners during traffic stops to when ready pull your information and check for outstanding warrants or license suspensions. The scanner reads your license in seconds and displays your record on their screen.

Businesses use scanners to verify your age when you buy alcohol or tobacco. The scanner confirms your date of birth without the employee having to read it manually, which reduces errors and speeds up the transaction.

Rental car companies, hotels, and banks use scanners to verify your identity and address during check-in or account opening. The scanned information is often stored in their system for record-keeping.

When you replace a lost or damaged license, your new license will work with all these scanners the same way your old one did. There is no delay or special step needed — the scanner will read your new license as soon as you receive it.

Privacy and security of scanned data

When someone scans your license, they can see all the information encoded in it. This is why some people are cautious about who scans their license. However, the information on your license is the same information you would give someone if they asked you to read it aloud — it is not hidden or encrypted.

Businesses and law enforcement agencies are responsible for protecting the data they collect from your scanned license. Many states have laws about how long they can keep it and what they can use it for. If you are concerned about a particular business or situation, you can ask what they will do with the scanned information before they scan your license.

Your replacement license will have no additional security features beyond what your original license had. The barcode or stripe will contain the same type of information, readable by the same types of scanners.

Getting your replacement license scanned correctly

When you receive your replacement license in the mail, the barcode or stripe will be ready to scan when ready. There is nothing you need to do to set up it or prepare it for scanning.

If someone has trouble scanning your new license, the problem is usually a dirty scanner lens or a bent license, not an issue with the encoding. If a scanner does not read your license, try cleaning the barcode area gently with a soft cloth, or ask the person scanning it to try again.

If you notice that your replacement license is damaged when it arrives (bent, cracked, or with a smudged barcode), contact your state DMV right away. They can send you a replacement at no additional cost. A damaged barcode can cause scanning problems, so it is worth getting it fixed before you need to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my new license number work with old scanners?

Your replacement license will have a new license number, and that new number is what is encoded in the barcode. Old scanners will read your new license and display your new number. Any system that was looking up your old number will need to be updated, but the scanner itself will work fine.

Can I scan my own license to see what information is stored?

Yes, if you have a barcode scanner (many smartphones have barcode scanner apps), you can scan your own license to see what data is encoded. This is a good way to verify that your replacement license was encoded correctly before you use it in important situations.

What if my replacement license barcode is damaged?

If the barcode is smudged, cracked, or otherwise damaged when your license arrives, contact your state DMV when ready. They will send you a replacement license at no cost. A damaged barcode can prevent scanners from reading your information, so it is worth fixing right away.

Do all states use the same barcode format?

No, each state designs its own barcode format and decides what information to encode. However, all barcodes work the same way — a scanner reads them and displays the information. Your state's specific format does not matter for most everyday uses; scanners in other states can still read your license.

Is the information on my license barcode encrypted?

No, the barcode is not encrypted. It contains the same information that is printed on your license in plain text. Anyone with a barcode scanner can read it. This is why you should be thoughtful about who scans your license, just as you would be about who you hand your physical license to.