| jeffweico | 08-09-2014 10:23 AM |
Re: Ebay & Paypal ID check
I can tell you that in the US, some states sell their driver's license data and some do not. License numbers in many states are based on an algorithm that takes your name, sex and date of birth and translates it into the driver's license number. Here is a site that explains the algorithm and even has a nice little calculator that figures out what the number should be, given your other information: Unique ID: Driver's License Calculator: Illinois (they have other states as well)
I have no special knowledge of eBay/PayPal or Amazon's security measures, but I would also think they might scan the barcode on the back of your license if they ask for copies of the front AND back. Mostly the barcodes just contain the same information on the front of the license which makes it easier for the police to use and also is more difficult for the average person to duplicate. I have never actually seen it, but I know there are programs out there that will create the bar codes for given states. Just Google it.
There is also a guide that is published mainly for bartenders, or others who have to check and verify ID's that tells you what each state license is supposed to look like and technical details, such as what the expiration dates should be, what is and is not a valid license number, how each state issues their numbers, what holographic seals are on a license, etc. Anyone can buy one, it is not illegal: https://www.driverslicenseguide.com/
I hope this is helpful! | 
