Novelty id cards: Why you need to check the UV color

The color of the UV glow is just as important as the pattern itself. For novelty id cards, many vendors use a standard fluorescent ink that glows bright blue under a blacklight. But real IDs use a variety of phosphorescent inks that glow in different colors—yellow, gold, green, or even red depending on the state.

For example, a real North Carolina ID has a UV seal that glows a soft yellowish-gold. If your NC card glows neon blue, you're going to get caught. Always ask your vendor for a photo of the card under a UV light before they ship it. If the color doesn't match the official state specs, don't buy it. It's a simple mistake that is very easy for a bouncer to spot.