How to Spot a Fake ID: The Pro’s Guide to Your Louisiana Bar Card

Securing your Louisiana Bar Card is the first step toward a successful career in the Pelican State’s vibrant hospitality industry. Whether you are pouring drinks in the French Quarter or serving at a local bistro in Baton Rouge, carrying a valid Louisiana Bar Card (formally known as the Responsible Vendor Permit) is a legal requirement. At ACE Food Handler, we have been a state-approved provider for over 10 years, helping thousands of servers stay compliant while protecting their employers from costly legal “stings.”

Part of being a responsible vendor is knowing how to spot a fake ID before a sale is made. Under Louisiana law, you have the right—and the responsibility—to refuse service if an ID seems suspicious. Here are three expert signs that an ID might be fake:

1. The “U-Bend” Laminate Test

Authentic Louisiana licenses are made with professional-grade materials. If you suspect an ID is a cheap counterfeit, gently bend it into a “U” shape. Genuine IDs are resilient and will snap back into place. Fake IDs often use inferior laminate that will bubble or peel under this pressure. If you see air pockets forming, it’s a red flag.

2. Check the “Ghost” Image

Modern security features on a legitimate license include a faint “ghost” image of the person’s portrait. Hold the card up to a direct light source. You should see a smaller, translucent version of the photo. Forgers often struggle with this laser-perforated detail; if the ghost image is missing or looks like a blurry sticker, do not accept the ID.

3. The “Zip Code” Drill

When a minor uses a fake ID, they often memorize the birthdate and address but forget the smaller details. Ask the customer, “What’s the zip code for this address?” or “What year did you graduate high school?” If they hesitate or have to look at the card to answer a simple question about “their” life, they are likely using someone else’s credentials.

Get Your Louisiana Bar Card for Only $7.20!

At ACE Food Handler, we make getting your Louisiana Bar Card simple, fast, and affordable. While other providers charge $15 or more, our official, state-approved course is priced at just **$9**.

But we want to help you save even more. Use coupon code ace20 at checkout to take an additional 20% off, bringing your total cost down to just $7.20.

Why Choose ACE Food Handler?

• 10+ Years of Excellence: We have been serving the Louisiana hospitality community for over a decade.

• Instant Certification: Download your temporary certificate immediately after passing.

• Direct State Reporting: We report your completion directly to the Louisiana ATC for you.

• Mobile Friendly: Take the course on your phone, tablet, or laptop at your own pace.

Don’t risk working without your permit. The state gives you a 45-day grace period from your hire date, but the best time to get compliant is today.

Click Here to Start Your Louisiana Bar Card Course for $7.20

Louisiana Bar Card FAQ

How long is my Louisiana Bar Card valid? Your permit is valid for four years from the last day of the month in which you completed the course.

Is ACE Food Handler an approved provider? Yes. We are officially approved by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC).

When will my permanent card be ready? After we report your score, your permanent card is typically available for download on the Louisiana ATC “Print Your Tab” portal within 7 to 14 days.

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Call to Action👉 Ready to meet Louisiana’s requirements? Sign up for ACE Food Handler’s Responsible Vendor Bar Card course today and get certified fast.

Louisiana Responsible Vendor (Bar Card) Certification – 100% Online

Get certified to serve alcohol responsibly in Louisiana with our state-approved Responsible Vendor (RV) training course. This fully online program is designed for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in Louisiana and is required by law to obtain a Bar Card within 45 days of hire.

What You’ll Learn:

• Louisiana alcohol and tobacco laws
• How to recognize signs of intoxication
• Techniques for responsible alcohol service
• Legal responsibilities and penalties

Why Choose ACE Food Handler:

• ATC-approved and fully compliant with Louisiana state requirements
• Self-paced learning—complete the course anytime, anywhere
• Instant certificate upon passing the final exam
• We report your completion directly to the Louisiana ATC

Whether you’re working in a bar, restaurant, grocery store, or event venue, this course ensures you’re trained, certified, and ready to serve responsibly.

Enroll today and get your official Louisiana Bar Card the easy way.

Want me to tailor this for a specific audience—like bar owners, new hires, or Spanish-speaking learners? I’ve got you covered.

 

Louisiana Responsible Vendor Bar Card

The Louisiana Responsible Vendor Bar Card, also known as the Responsible Vendor or RV card, is an integral part of your ability to create a safe environment for your patrons and adhere to Louisiana State laws. Our courses were designed to maintain compliance with the current laws and it’s imperative that any employees serving or selling alcohol in the state complete RV training. The Benefits of Completing Louisiana Responsible Vendor Bar Card Courses For businesses as well as bartenders and servers, completing the coursework offers multiple benefits that extend beyond compliance. Servers are given excellent information so that they can more accurately determine the proper course of action in every interaction. Businesses are also better protected legally in the even that there is an infraction. Information includes: Legal Liability. Our courses cover all of the specifics of the business and server’s legal responsibility in each scenario. We break this down in easy to understand language so that personnel can be assured that they have all of the information needed to run a successful and safe venture. Signs of Intoxication. There are specific signs of intoxication that servers should be aware of prior to working with the public in regards to alcohol sales. Information on Minors. Different tactics will be covered, including fake ids and issues where minors are having others purchase for them. It’s important that staff knows their responsibility in these situations. ID Protocol. We clearly show the best way to set protocols for checking ID to best stay in compliance with state regulations. Training Courses Available We offer a number of training courses to best meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for training to secure your Louisiana Responsible Vendor Bar Cards in compliance with the Louisiana RV Training, or individual classes for new employees to complete, our training is compliant with Louisiana State requirements. Lastly Contact us today for more information or to enroll for your training today.

We also have some free  helpful resources for you on the ACE Food Handler Resource Page.

Updated 11/22/2019