Novelty id cards: Why you should check the hologram depth

The holographic depth is one of the hardest things for vendors of novelty id cards to replicate. Real holograms appear to be embedded deep within the plastic, while cheap ones look like they are just stuck on the surface. When you tilt the card, the images should have a 3D effect.

I suggest tilting your card under a single point of light (like a small flashlight). The holograms should move smoothly and appear to be at different levels within the card. If they look flat or if the rainbow effect is too overwhelming, it is a sign of a low-quality film. High-end vendors use specialized holographic overlays that match the official state specs exactly. Stay safe out there!