# Checking ID in Ontario > How to check ID when serving alcohol in Ontario: the legal age of 19, the AGCO’s list of acceptable ID, how to spot fake ID and how to refuse service politely. Canonical: https://smartservepracticetest.ca/checking-id-ontario Last updated: 2026-10-26 The legal drinking age in Ontario is **19**, and the law says ID must be checked before serving anyone who **appears to be under 19**. Here’s what counts as acceptable ID, how to spot a fake, and what to say when you have to refuse. To check age, subtract the birth year from this year, then make sure their birthday has already passed this year. Someone born on today’s date 19 years ago turned 19 today and can be served. ## When to ask - **The law:** inspect ID before serving, delivering to, or admitting (where the licence bars minors) anyone who appears to be under 19 (O. Reg. 746/21, s. 9). - **Smart Serve’s advice:** ask anyone who looks **younger than 25**, or whose behaviour seems unusual. - **Every time you’re unsure.** Even if the door checked, you’re still responsible for who you serve. ## What makes ID acceptable The regulation defines ID as a document with the person’s **photo** and **date of birth** that reasonably appears to be issued by a **government or the LCBO**. The AGCO adds that it must be **current**: expired ID is not valid. Copies and photos of ID (including on a phone) aren’t acceptable; check the physical card. ### The AGCO’s list of acceptable ID - Ontario driver’s licence with a photo - Ontario Photo Card (issued under the Photo Card Act) - Canadian passport - Canadian permanent resident card - Secure Indian status card - Canadian Armed Forces identification card - Canadian citizenship card with a photo - LCBO BYID photo card - Equivalent foreign photo ID, such as a valid passport or European Union identity card ### Not acceptable - **Student cards:** Smart Serve says never accept them. - **Expired ID**, **photocopies** and **pictures of ID**. - **Ontario health cards:** you can’t ask for one or record the number. If a guest offers it, you may accept it at your discretion. ## How to spot a fake 1. **Hold it yourself.** Don’t let anyone flash ID at you. Take it, in good light, and take your time. 2. **Check photo, birth date and expiry.** Does the face match? Is the date of birth 19 or more years ago? Is it still valid? 3. **Feel the card.** Extra thickness around the photo or lamination edges can mean a new photo was laid over the original. 4. **Look at the characters.** Numbers and letters should match in thickness, weight and colour. Altered digits often look heavier or darker. 5. **Use the licence number.** On an Ontario driver’s licence, the number starts with the first letter of the last name, and the 9th and 10th digits match the last two digits of the birth year. 6. **Look for the AGE 19 banner.** Licences and Photo Cards issued to 16- to 18-year-olds carry an “AGE 19” banner with the date they turn 19. 7. **Still unsure? Ask.** Ask their birthday, how they spell their middle name or their postal code, or ask for a second piece of ID. ## How to refuse - Decline politely and explain that the law doesn’t allow you to serve without proof they’re 19. - Stay calm and courteous. Point to the signage if it helps. - If the guest gets angry, hold your position and bring in a manager. Call police if needed, and note a description. - Remember: **no ID, no sale.** ## Minors and young staff - Minors can be on licensed premises (for example, eating with family) unless the licence bars them, but they can’t have or drink alcohol there. - A parent may give their child alcohol only in a residence or private place, **not** in a bar or restaurant. - Staff who sell or serve alcohol must be at least **18**. An 18-year-old can carry and serve liquor at work but can’t drink it. - Using someone else’s ID to buy alcohol is an offence for the person using it. - Serving a minor can bring a fine, and for a licensee, a licence suspension of at least seven days on conviction. The AGCO also mentions monetary penalties of up to $100,000. ## Questions people ask ### What ID is acceptable for alcohol in Ontario? Valid, government-issued photo ID with a date of birth, such as an Ontario driver’s licence, Ontario Photo Card, Canadian passport, permanent resident card, secure Indian status card, Canadian Armed Forces ID, citizenship card with photo, LCBO BYID card, or an equivalent foreign passport. ### Can you use a picture of your ID in Ontario? No. The AGCO says copies and photos of ID are not acceptable; staff must check the physical ID. ### Is a health card valid ID for alcohol in Ontario? Staff can’t ask for it. If a guest offers it voluntarily, the AGCO says you may accept it at your discretion. ### Can I accept an expired driver’s licence? No. The AGCO says expired ID is not valid. ### What happens if I serve someone with a fake ID? The Act protects you if you relied on prescribed ID and had no apparent reason to doubt it was real or belonged to the person. That’s why a careful check matters. ## Sources - [O. Reg. 746/21: Licensing (e-Laws)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21746) (checked 2026-10-26) - [Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (e-Laws)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/19l15b) (checked 2026-10-26) - [AGCO: Tips for checking ID](https://www.agco.ca/en/general/photo-identification) (checked 2026-10-26) - [AGCO: Tips for identifying minors](https://www.agco.ca/en/alcohol/tips-identifying-minors) (checked 2026-10-26) - [AGCO: Information sheet, house policies](https://www.agco.ca/en/alcohol/information-sheet-house-policies) (checked 2026-10-26) - [Smart Serve Ontario: Things You Must Know](https://smartserve.ca/things-you-must-know/) (checked 2026-10-26) Not affiliated with Smart Serve Ontario or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). ## Related - [Checking ID and minors: practice quiz](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/practice/checking-id) - [Smart Serve practice test](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/smart-serve-practice-test) - [Smart Serve for security and door staff](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/security-staff) - [Smart Serve for servers](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/servers)