N.Y.: Black and White and Wallet-Size, Unfit for Faking

[cu2010]

Exactly; expiration date is used as a condition for the use of an ID; obviously, it doesn't change the veracity of the other information on it. So if you're asked to prove your name, age, etc., by using a current ID, then an expired one would not qualify. However, if you're asked to prove your name, age, etc., by no specified means, then an expired ID would still work. For example, you can use certain expired documents to get a NYS drivers license (albeit at a lower point value), because they still do prove what they're used to prove, like date of birth, which obviously doesn't change over time.

Additionally, there are cases when older siblings will leave their IDs with younger, underage ones, as soon as they turn 21, and since it's a real ID, would pass a fake ID check. Similar facial features, different person, so it's taken with less scrutiny. I know of several people who have done this.  Another reason expired IDs aren't generally accepted.

Another benefit of black-and-white photos- at least as cited by New York State- is so that more focus is placed on facial features by those who check IDs. Many times, store clerks will glance at the color photo, see that the face looks similar, and hand back the ID, without putting much focus into comparing the two. Black-and-white photos, being not color, tend to be looked at with more scrutiny.

With this move, NY is also joining practically every other state in issuing vertically-aligned licenses to those under 21, making them stand out that much more. Also gone is that cheap flimsy cardboard-like thing that I hate so very much.

Of course, the real reason we're moving to black-and-white photos is because it's New York. Nothing done by Albany ever makes sense...especially when it costs us more to have it done!

[vdeane]

I was surprised they didn't use this as an excuse to make licences cost more.

[deathtopumpkins]

I think some states will issue ID to out of state folks for purchasing alcohol, MA was one of them.

http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/license/13liqID.htm

This is because, while I don't know whether or not it's the law, most liquor stores will not accept anything other than a Mass DL or Mass ID for alcohol purchases. I've also seen nightclubs that only accept Mass DL/IDs, and a few random other places.

[realjd]

I think some states will issue ID to out of state folks for purchasing alcohol, MA was one of them.

http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/license/13liqID.htm

This is because, while I don't know whether or not it's the law, most liquor stores will not accept anything other than a Mass DL or Mass ID for alcohol purchases. I've also seen nightclubs that only accept Mass DL/IDs, and a few random other places.

That's dumb. I'm going to MA in a few weeks and was planning on buying a few bottles of local craft beer to take home, like I usually do when traveling somewhere new. They really won't take my FL DL? What about my passport?

[deathtopumpkins]

I think some states will issue ID to out of state folks for purchasing alcohol, MA was one of them.

http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/license/13liqID.htm

This is because, while I don't know whether or not it's the law, most liquor stores will not accept anything other than a Mass DL or Mass ID for alcohol purchases. I've also seen nightclubs that only accept Mass DL/IDs, and a few random other places.

That's dumb. I'm going to MA in a few weeks and was planning on buying a few bottles of local craft beer to take home, like I usually do when traveling somewhere new. They really won't take my FL DL? What about my passport?

It depends where you go and what you're buying. I know most actual liquor stores in Boston proper do NOT take passports or out-of-state IDs, though most places like restaurants do accept them if you, say, order a beer with dinner. I'm not sure how this applies to beer purchases from somewhere like a local brewery.