What should be checked if an ID has been altered?

When evaluating an altered ID, checking for scratches or bleached areas is critical because alterations often leave physical evidence on the card's surface. Authentic identification cards have consistent finishes and textures, so any unusual marks, such as scratches, smudges, or areas that appear bleached, could indicate tampering or forgery. Alterations may intend to change personal information or reproduce a different age, but they often result in visible inconsistencies.

Other checks may include assessing thickness, expiration dates, and color contrast; however, these factors are not as definitive in demonstrating whether an ID has been altered. Thickness checks could indicate if a card has been cut down or laminated improperly, but alterations are often more evident through visual inspection of the surface for irregularities such as scratches or bleached areas. Thus, while those aspects are important, the presence of scratches or bleached areas directly points to alteration efforts that compromise the ID's integrity.