Not all age verification methods are created equal. Here's how the common approaches stack up:
| Method | Accuracy | Speed | Cost | Compliance Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual ID check (manual) | Medium | Fast | Free | C+ |
| ID scanner (barcode) | High | Fast | $200-800/device | A- |
| ID scanner + photo match | Very High | Medium | $500-1,500/device | A |
| Third-party online verification | High | Instant | $0.10-0.50/verification | A- |
| Adult signature on delivery | High | At delivery | $2-5/package | A |
| Self-attestation (birthdate checkbox) | Very Low | Instant | Free | F |
| Credit card age check | Low | Instant | Free | D |
⚠️ What NOT to Rely On
"They look old enough" — never do this. Visual age estimation is unreliable and offers zero compliance protection. A 20-year-old can easily pass for 25, and if you get caught, "they looked 21" is not a defense.
Self-attestation checkboxes on websites are essentially useless for compliance. The FDA and state regulators don't accept "they said they were 21" as a defense.
Credit card age checks (assuming the cardholder is 21+) are also unreliable. Teenagers can have credit cards, and someone can use a parent's card.
