The process of theme parks checking customer’s driver’s licenses is an important aspect of ensuring safety, age – verification, and proper management within the park. Here’s a detailed look at how they typically carry out this task.
Reasons for Checking Driver’s Licenses in Theme Parks
One of the primary reasons for theme parks to check driver’s licenses is age – verification. Many rides and attractions in theme parks have age restrictions. For example, some high – thrill roller coasters may be suitable only for individuals above a certain age, usually 13 or 14 years old. Alcohol – serving areas in the park also require age verification to ensure that only adults can purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Additionally, in cases where customers are making large purchases or renting certain equipment, theme parks may need to verify the identity and age of the customer through the driver’s license.
Initial Inspection at the Entrance
When customers enter the theme park, they may encounter an initial check at the main entrance. In some cases, if there is suspicion about the age of a customer based on appearance, the staff may request to see their driver’s license. The staff will typically quickly glance at the license to verify the birth date. They are trained to recognize the general layout and design of a valid driver’s license from different states or countries. The photo on the license is also compared briefly to the person standing in front of them to ensure a reasonable match.
Checks at Specific Attractions or Areas
At attractions with age restrictions, such as certain water slides or virtual reality experiences, more in – depth checks may occur. The staff at these attractions will ask for the driver’s license and may spend a bit more time verifying its authenticity. They will look for security features on the license, such as holograms, microprinting, or special inks that are unique to each state’s or country’s licensing authority. For example, some driver’s licenses have a hologram of the state seal or the licensee’s photo embedded in the plastic. The expiration date of the license is also checked to ensure that it is still valid. If the license has expired, the customer may be asked for additional forms of identification.
In areas where alcohol is served, the staff follows strict procedures. They will closely examine the driver’s license to determine if the customer is of legal drinking age. In many regions, the legal drinking age is 21. They will not only check the birth date but also ensure that the license has not been reported as lost, stolen, or revoked. Some theme parks may use electronic scanners to quickly read the information on the driver’s license and cross – reference it with databases that contain information about invalid licenses.
Verification of International Driver’s Licenses
For international visitors, theme parks also have procedures in place to verify international driver’s licenses. These licenses are often in different languages and may have different formats compared to local driver’s licenses. Staff members may be trained to recognize common elements of international driver’s licenses, such as the international driving permit logo and the standardized format for personal information. In some cases, they may also use translation tools or consult with supervisors who are more familiar with international licenses to ensure proper verification. If there is any doubt about the authenticity of an international driver’s license, the park may ask the customer for additional forms of identification, such as a passport.
Handling of Suspected Fake or Invalid Licenses
If a staff member suspects that a driver’s license is fake or invalid, they follow a set of established procedures. First, they will calmly and politely inform the customer that there is an issue with the license and ask for additional identification, such as a passport or a government – issued ID card. The license may be held aside for further inspection by a supervisor or security personnel. In some cases, the park may contact local law enforcement authorities, especially if they believe that the fake license is part of a larger illegal activity. The customer may be denied entry to certain attractions or areas of the park until the issue is resolved.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Problem: Inconsistent Staff Training
Sometimes, not all staff members may be equally well – trained in driver’s license verification. Some may not be familiar with the security features of licenses from all states or countries, leading to potential errors in verification.
Solution: Theme parks should conduct regular and comprehensive training sessions for all staff involved in license checks. These sessions should cover the security features of driver’s licenses from different regions, how to use identification verification tools (such as scanners), and the proper procedures for handling suspected fake licenses. Staff should also be given opportunities for hands – on practice with different types of licenses.
- Problem: Long Lines due to Thorough Checks
When staff conduct in – depth checks, especially at busy times, it can lead to long lines forming at entrance gates or attraction entrances.
Solution: Theme parks can implement a tiered – checking system. For example, at the main entrance, only a quick visual check for age – related suspicion can be done. More in – depth checks can be reserved for areas where it is absolutely necessary, such as alcohol – serving areas or high – age – restricted attractions. Additionally, they can use technology like automated scanners to speed up the verification process without sacrificing accuracy.
- Problem: Difficulty in Verifying International Licenses
International driver’s licenses come in various formats and languages, making it challenging for staff to verify them accurately.
Solution: Provide staff with translation resources, such as language guides or digital translation tools, that can help them understand the key information on international licenses. Also, train staff on the common formats and security features of international driving permits. Have a central point of contact, such as a supervisor who is well – versed in international licenses, to assist with difficult verification cases.
- Problem: Customers Forgetting Their Licenses
Some customers may forget to bring their driver’s licenses, especially if they are not aware of the license – checking requirements in advance.
Solution: Clearly communicate the license – checking policies on the theme park’s website, social media platforms, and at ticket – purchasing points. If a customer forgets their license, offer alternative forms of identification that are acceptable, such as a passport, state ID card, or military ID. In some cases, if the customer can provide digital copies of their identification through a secure app or online service, this could also be considered as a valid option.
- Problem: Disputes over Age Verification
Customers may dispute the age – verification decision made by theme park staff, especially if they believe they have been wrongly identified as underage.
Solution: Train staff on how to handle disputes in a professional and diplomatic manner. They should explain the age – verification process and the reasons for the decision clearly to the customer. If possible, have a second staff member or a supervisor review the case and make a final decision. In case of ongoing disputes, the park can have a formal appeal process in place, where the customer can provide additional evidence of their age if available.
Fake ID Pricing
unit price: $109
| Order Quantity | Price Per Card |
|---|---|
| 2-3 | $89 |
| 4-9 | $69 |
| 10+ | $66 |
