
In the United States, the vertical ID is issued to individuals under the age of 21. While there is no federal law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to those with a vertical ID, some states have their own laws and policies regarding this matter. In Washington, for example, some bars and restaurants have a policy of refusing service to customers with a vertical ID, even if they are over the legal drinking age. This is because a vertical ID indicates that the holder is under 21, and the sale of alcohol to minors is considered a gross misdemeanour in the state.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Acceptable IDs for alcohol in WA | Driver's License, Instruction Permit, or ID Card issued by any U.S. State, U.S. Territory, and District of Columbia |
Driver's License, Instruction Permit, or ID Card issued by any Canadian Province | |
Valid Washington State Temporary Driver's License | |
U.S. Armed Forces ID Card (Encrypted signature acceptable) | |
Merchant Marine ID Card issued by the U.S. Coast Guard | |
Official Passport, including the U.S. Passport Card and NEXUS Card | |
Washington State Tribal Enrollment Card | |
ID must be valid (not expired) | |
Unacceptable IDs for alcohol in WA | Temporary license by itself |
Vertical ID for individuals under 21 |
What You'll Learn
- In Washington, a vertical ID is issued to those under 21
- A vertical ID is not always accepted as a valid form of ID for purchasing alcohol
- A military ID card can be used to purchase alcohol in Washington state
- A temporary license is not accepted as a valid form of ID for purchasing alcohol in Washington
- A U.S. Armed Forces ID card is accepted as a valid form of ID in Washington
In Washington, a vertical ID is issued to those under 21
According to Washington state law, it is a gross misdemeanour to sell alcohol to a minor (under 21 years of age). Alcohol servers must be cautious when serving individuals who appear to be under 30 years old. While there are certain IDs that are not acceptable for age verification, the following forms of ID can be accepted for verifying age in Washington State: a driver's license, instruction permit, or ID card issued by any US state, territory, the District of Columbia, or any Canadian province. For Washington State IDs, both regular and enhanced versions are acceptable.
It is important to note that the temporary license issued by Washington State does not include a photo or signature, except for a Commercial Driver's License, and therefore cannot be used as the sole form of identification to purchase alcohol. However, it may be accepted if combined with an expired valid ID that has a photograph. Other acceptable forms of ID in Washington State include the US Armed Forces ID card, Merchant Marine ID card, official passport, Washington State Tribal Enrollment Card, and certain student IDs.
To ensure compliance with the law and to prevent selling alcohol to minors, establishments should refer to the latest information provided by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. This includes using the printable form that can be posted at the business premises, as well as staying up-to-date with acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, anyone who serves alcohol or supervises its sale for on-premises consumption is required to have a MAST permit, including owners, managers, bartenders, servers, and grocery store employees conducting wine tastings.
While the vertical ID may be a convenient way to quickly verify the age of the ID holder, it is not the only factor in determining whether to serve alcohol. Establishments should also pay attention to other signs of intoxication or underage drinking, such as the presence of a minor with an adult attempting to purchase alcohol. By being vigilant and following the law, businesses can help keep alcohol out of the hands of minors and intoxicated individuals.
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A vertical ID is not always accepted as a valid form of ID for purchasing alcohol
In the United States, a vertical ID is issued to individuals under the age of 21. While there is no federal law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to those presenting a vertical ID, some states have their own laws and policies regarding this matter.
In Washington, for example, state law requires that IDs presented for purchasing alcohol must be valid (not expired) and show specific forms of identification. These include a driver's license, instruction permit, or ID card issued by any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. While a vertical ID may meet these criteria, the physical orientation of the ID (vertical or horizontal) is not specifically addressed in the law.
As a result, the acceptance of vertical IDs as valid identification for alcohol purchases in Washington may vary. Some establishments may have stricter policies and choose to only accept horizontal IDs, which are typically issued to individuals over the age of 21. This is likely due to the potential challenge of verifying the authenticity and legitimacy of vertical IDs, especially for individuals who appear to be under the age of 30.
Additionally, some states, like Arizona, have specific statutes regarding vertical IDs. In Arizona, a liquor-licensed business may not accept a vertical ID as the only form of identification if the holder's birthday has passed 30 days prior to presenting the ID. This means that individuals with vertical IDs in Arizona must update their licenses within a month after their birthday to be served alcohol.
It is important to note that the laws and policies regarding acceptable forms of identification for purchasing alcohol can vary from state to state. While some states may have more lenient policies, others may have stricter requirements. As such, it is always advisable to carry a valid, non-expired form of identification that meets the requirements set by the specific state or establishment.
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A military ID card can be used to purchase alcohol in Washington state
In Washington state, it is a gross misdemeanour to sell alcohol to a minor (anyone under 21 years of age). To avoid doing so, alcohol servers often rely on checking IDs. While there is no explicit law against serving people with a vertical ID, some bars and restaurants may refuse to serve individuals with a vertical ID as it indicates that the holder is under 21.
In Washington, acceptable forms of ID to purchase alcohol include a driver's license, instruction permit, or ID card issued by any US state, territory, the District of Columbia, or any Canadian province. A valid Washington State Temporary Driver's License is also acceptable. Notably, a U.S. Armed Forces ID card (with an encrypted signature) is explicitly listed as an acceptable form of identification for purchasing alcohol in Washington state. This means that a military ID card can indeed be used to purchase alcohol, provided it meets the requirements, such as having a valid, non-expired encrypted signature.
It is important to note that individual establishments may have their own policies regarding acceptable forms of ID. Some may be more stringent than others, and it is not uncommon for bars or restaurants to refuse service to individuals with a vertical ID, even if they are of legal drinking age. This is likely due to the increased risk of serving a minor, as vertical IDs are typically issued to those under 21.
While a military ID card can be used to purchase alcohol in Washington state, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the varying policies and preferences of different establishments. Carrying multiple forms of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, in addition to a military ID, may help ensure smoother access to alcohol purchases.
In summary, while a military ID card is acceptable for purchasing alcohol in Washington state, individuals should be prepared for potential variations in ID requirements and preferences among different establishments, especially when presenting a vertical ID.
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A temporary license is not accepted as a valid form of ID for purchasing alcohol in Washington
In Washington, it is a gross misdemeanour to sell alcohol to a minor (under 21 years of age). Alcohol servers must be cautious when serving individuals who appear to be under 30 years old. While there are no explicit mentions of temporary licenses in Washington state law, it is implied that a temporary license alone is insufficient for purchasing alcohol. This is because a valid ID must be presented, and it must include a photograph and signature, which the new temporary license does not have unless it is a commercial driver's license.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides guidelines for acceptable forms of identification, which include driver's licenses, instruction permits, and ID cards issued by any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. These IDs must be valid and not expired. Additionally, the LCB previously distributed books with example images of every valid ID in the country, making it easier for establishments to verify the authenticity of IDs.
It is important to note that some individuals may have a vertical ID if they chose to renew their license after their 21st birthday. While there is no explicit law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to individuals with vertical IDs in Washington, some establishments may have internal policies against accepting them. This may be due to the association of vertical IDs with underage individuals, as they are typically issued to those under 21.
To avoid any confusion or disputes, individuals in Washington who are of legal drinking age and possess only a temporary license are advised to carry additional forms of acceptable ID, such as a U.S. Armed Forces ID card, Merchant Marine ID card, or a valid passport. By presenting multiple forms of identification, individuals can increase their chances of successfully purchasing alcohol and reduce the risk of being denied service due to ID-related concerns.
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A U.S. Armed Forces ID card is accepted as a valid form of ID in Washington
When it comes to purchasing alcohol in Washington, it is essential to present a valid form of identification. While there are various acceptable forms of ID, one that is commonly recognised and accepted is the U.S. Armed Forces ID card. This card is a valid and widely recognised form of identification in Washington and can be used to purchase alcohol.
The U.S. Armed Forces ID card, also known as the Geneva Conventions Identification Card or the USPIC (United States Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card), is an official identity document issued by the United States Department of Defense. It serves as proof of an individual's membership in the Armed Forces or their status as a dependent. This ID card is not only accepted in Washington but also across the United States as a valid form of identification.
In Washington, establishments that sell or serve alcohol are required to ensure that their customers provide valid and acceptable forms of ID. The U.S. Armed Forces ID card is explicitly listed as an acceptable form of identification by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. This means that individuals with this form of ID can use it to purchase alcohol in Washington without issue.
The U.S. Armed Forces ID card is not the only acceptable form of identification in Washington. Other acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, instruction permit, or ID card issued by any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Additionally, IDs issued by any Canadian province, valid Washington State temporary driver's licenses, and Merchant Marine ID cards are also accepted.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for acceptable ID may vary depending on the establishment and the individual's appearance. While the U.S. Armed Forces ID card is generally accepted, some places may have additional policies or procedures in place to ensure the validity and authenticity of the identification presented. As such, individuals under the age of 30, regardless of their form of ID, may face additional scrutiny when attempting to purchase alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
A vertical ID may not be accepted as proof of age in WA. While there is no law against serving alcohol to someone with a vertical ID, the establishment may have a company policy against it.
Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, instruction permit, or ID card issued by any US State, US Territory, the District of Columbia, or any Canadian province. A US Armed Forces ID card, Merchant Marine ID card, official passport, and Washington State Tribal Enrollment Card are also accepted.
The new temporary license by itself is not acceptable to purchase alcohol in WA. However, when combined with an expired valid ID with a photograph, it may be accepted.
The legal drinking age in Washington State is 21 years old. Selling alcohol to a minor is considered a Gross Misdemeanor. Alcohol servers should be cautious when serving anyone who appears to be under 30 years of age.