How to Distinguish a Genuine New Driver's License from a Fake One?

[LaMia]

Here are several methods to distinguish a genuine new driver's license from a fake one: 1. Online verification: A driver's license can also be verified for authenticity by connecting to the public security network. If the driver's license is genuine, all information about the license can be found on the public security network. 2. Manual identification: There is a significant difference in the anti-counterfeiting marks between genuine and fake driver's licenses. The anti-counterfeiting mark 'China' on a genuine license is composed of dot matrix graphics, made up of dots and appears blurry; whereas a fake license uses vector graphics, with strokes appearing as blocks and looking clearer. 3. Laser anti-counterfeiting mark on the plastic seal: On the upper right side of the driver's license, there are the words 'China', 'CHINA', 'Driver's License', and 'DRIVING LICENSE'. These can be clearly seen when viewed at an angle under light. On the lower right side of the driver's license, there is a distinct five-pointed star, and the laser five-pointed star must overlap the photo.

[MacDelilah]

When I renewed my license, I specifically studied the differences between real and fake driver's licenses. A genuine license has a unique texture when touched, with a stiff card surface and smooth edges. At the bottom of the supplementary page, there is a watermark outline of China's map that changes color when tilted. The linear pattern in the lower right corner of the main page shifts between gold and green at different angles. All font edges are sharp, without any blurring or fringing. The seal must be red, complete, and unbroken. A friend shared that using a UV light on the national emblem reveals red fluorescent dots. Nowadays, electronic driver's licenses can also be linked via the Traffic Management 12123 APP, providing dual verification for added reliability.

[Paul]

Last year during the vehicle inspection, I noticed the staff were very professional in detecting fake licenses. They mainly checked three key points: anti-counterfeiting marks, card material, and printing details. A genuine driver's license uses a special PVC material for the plastic card base, which is highly flexible and not easily broken. The gold-foil anti-counterfeiting line at the bottom right of the main page changes color between gold and green when viewed from different angles. Scanning the barcode at the bottom left of the secondary page reveals encrypted information matching the license number. When the card surface reflects light, you can see a background text composed of countless micro-printed letters. The seal must be within the designated area and clearly visible. If you're still unsure, you can visit the local DMV and use a self-service machine to verify the chip information.

[Leila]

My colleague was fooled by a fake driver's license just last month. The most obvious difference between genuine and fake licenses lies in the seal—authentic ones use embossed printing with a three-dimensional effect, featuring even ink distribution without smudging. Both the main page and supplementary page should have translucent Great Wall watermark patterns visible under light. The registration stamp numbers on the supplementary page must precisely match the administrative division codes of that region. Here's a clever trick: log into the Ministry of Public Security's traffic management service platform and input the file number to instantly verify registration details. New licenses also feature randomly distributed reflective dots on the main page background—when hit with a phone flashlight, these produce a starburst effect.