Free · No subscription · US · Canada · Mexico · Passports

Soniq ID — clear pass / fail at the door

Soniq ID Checker is a free identification and driver's license checker built for bars, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, and live music venues. Scan PDF417 barcodes on US, Canadian, and Mexican credentials with a phone camera or handheld scanner — or use photo ID fallback when the barcode won't read. Passports via MRZ when enabled. Your staff get an unmistakable pass/fail result in seconds.

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No credit card. Each venue gets its own private account — your data stays yours.

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What is Soniq ID?

A browser-based ID and driver's license age checker for your front door — not another bloated POS add-on.

Reads real ID barcodes

PDF417 on the back of US driver licenses and state IDs (all 50 states), plus Canadian provincial IDs and Mexico credentials where AAMVA barcodes are present — including dense formats like Wisconsin.

Built for door staff

Full-screen PASS / FAIL, optional sounds, age always visible. Your bouncers don't squint at tiny text mid-rush.

Team-ready

Multiple staff logins, shared scan log, and per-person scan tracking — you always know who checked an ID.

Photo ID when barcodes fail

Enable barcode + photo mode per device. Staff choose Take photo only (enter DOB manually) or Take photo & read (OCR). If OCR misses a date, the entry form always opens — nobody gets stuck at the door.

Passport MRZ support

Photo the machine-readable zone on ICAO passports — US, Canada, Mexico, UK, EU, and other TD3 formats when you enable it in settings. Barcode remains the fastest path for North American licenses when it works.

Scan log you control

Store nothing, age only, selected fields, or the full parsed record. The log shows the columns you pick — names, state, ID number, address, and more. Export CSV or JSON anytime.

Live door capacity

Count guests at the door with a shared +/− counter, color bar at your max, auto +1 on pass scans, Set # for a starting count, and **Counter actions** to start over when the night resets. Syncs across every iPad and scanner station.

Usage reports for managers

Scans by shift (configurable hours), day, login session, and device — with ? tooltips on each stat. Breakdowns by result, method, and door station; prune or revoke registered devices; export everything.

Capacity & reporting at the door

Know how full the room is right now — and how many IDs you checked tonight — without a second app.

Live count on Scan

Big number + color bar on the Scan tab. Tap +/− for walk-ins, Set # for a starting headcount, or let pass scans add automatically. **Counter actions** holds Start over resets. USB scanners keep focus — tap the counter and scan again immediately.

Shared across devices

Combine all door stations into one count. Every phone, iPad, and laptop sees the same number and updates within seconds.

Usage reports

Owners open Counter → Usage reports for shift totals, active devices (prune / revoke), and exports. Staff see a read-only Reports tab with ? tooltips on each stat.

Exports & audit

Download scan CSV, shift CSV, summary, full JSON bundle, capacity event log, and device list. Every reset and manual count change is logged.

Documents in the mix

Barcode first where PDF417 is available; photo OCR and manual entry when it is not.

🇺🇸

United States

All 50 states — driver licenses and state IDs via PDF417 barcode. Photo OCR fallback reads DOB from the card front (compact dates, lower-crop passes) when the scan fails.

🇨🇦

Canada

Provincial driver licenses and IDs with AAMVA PDF417 barcodes (DCG/CAN). Photo mode includes a Canada document type for OCR on provincial cards.

🇲🇽

Mexico

INE and other credentials — barcode when present (DCG/MEX), plus Mexico-specific photo OCR with Spanish date labels and manual DOB entry.

🌐

Passports (ICAO TD3)

Machine-readable zone on booklets from any ICAO member — nationality, DOB, and expiry from the MRZ lines. Enable per device in settings.

When the barcode won't read

Photo fallback keeps the line moving — without replacing your primary PDF417 workflow.

1 · Try the barcode first

Camera or scanner gun on the back PDF417 — still the fastest, most accurate path for US driver licenses.

2 · Open photo capture

Tap the photo ID button. Frame the license or passport MRZ in good light — flat, filling most of the screen.

3 · Photo only or OCR

Photo only — snap and type DOB from the ID. Photo & read — OCR tries to extract DOB from the lower half of the card front; auto age check when found.

4 · Always a manual path

OCR didn't find the date? Enter it manually and tap Approve. Optional staff review step before any photo check is logged.

Frame the front of the ID flat with even light — DOB usually sits in the lower half. OCR language data preloads after login so reads are faster at the rush. Storing ID photos in the log is off by default — enable per device if your venue needs audit photos (max 100, compressed, oldest removed automatically).

Inside the app

Real screens from Soniq ID — barcode scan, live capacity, usage reports, photo fallback, and clear pass/fail at the door.

Live capacity counter with plus and minus on scan screen

Live capacity

Shared count, color bar, +/− and Set # while you scan.

Usage reports with shift stats and exports

Usage reports

Shift stats, device breakdowns, and full exports for managers.

Barcode scanning screen

Barcode scan

Camera or scanner gun reads PDF417 on the license back.

Photo ID capture modal

Photo capture

Photo only or Take photo & read (OCR) when the barcode fails.

Manual DOB entry form

Manual entry

OCR missed the date? Staff enter DOB and approve — never stuck.

PASS result screen

Pass / fail

Big result, age visible, auto-clears for the next guest in line.

Why use Soniq ID Checker?

Because the door is loud, dark, and fast — and you shouldn't pay a fortune for that.

Soniq ID — what you get

  • Free — no monthly per-device fees
  • Phone camera or USB/Bluetooth PDF417 scanner
  • Big pass/fail built for bouncers, not accountants
  • Your own private account with isolated data
  • Staff logins, disable users, reset passwords
  • Shared scan log with staff name on every check
  • Configurable log: age only, pick fields, or full record
  • Always on the latest version — one update, every venue
  • Optional photo OCR + passport MRZ when barcodes fail
  • Photo-only or OCR + manual DOB entry — never dead-end at the door
  • Optional compressed ID photos in log (off by default, max 100)
  • Per-device setting: barcode only, or barcode + photo button
  • Staff change their own password; owners manage the team
  • Live capacity counter — shared +/−, max bar, auto +1 on pass
  • Usage reports — shift/day/device stats + CSV/JSON exports
  • USB scanner refocuses after counter taps — always ready for the next scan
  • Super admin venue reports, account recovery, and human-readable audit log

Typical paid ID apps

  • Monthly fees per scanner or seat
  • Cluttered UI meant for back-office compliance
  • Locked into one vendor's hardware
  • Slow updates, upsells, and contract lock-in
  • Overkill if you just need a fast 21+ check at the door

Guest privacy built in

Soniq ID was designed with your guests in mind — collect only what you need, and delete it when you don't.

🎚️

You choose what gets saved

Storage mode: nothing, age only, selected fields, or full record. Check exactly which fields land in the log — DOB, names, state, ID number, address, raw scan, and more. Default is age-only for a simple 21+ check.

🗑️

Delete forever, anytime

Venue owners and admins can clear all scan data from the back end in one step — wiped permanently, not just hidden.

⏳

Automatic retention limits

Set how long scan logs are kept. Older entries are purged automatically so you're not sitting on guest data longer than necessary.

🔐

Isolated & encrypted

Each venue's data is stored separately from every other business. Sensitive tenant files are encrypted at rest on the server.

👤

Staff accountability, not guest exposure

The scan log records which staff member ran a check — useful for your team, without turning the door into a data harvest.

📤

Export on your terms

Download CSV or JSON when you need records for your own compliance — then clear what you don't want to keep.

📷

Photo capture is optional

Stay on barcode-only, or enable photo fallback when needed. Storing ID photos in the scan log is off by default — turn it on per device if you need audit images (compressed JPEG, max 100 stored, oldest removed automatically).

How it works at the door

Illustrated walkthrough — not a live scanner. Five common setups cycle automatically: phone camera, handheld gun, photo fallback, lightbox, or podium laptop. Photo mode shows capture → manual entry → PASS. Tap a method or hover to pause.

Guest holds phone over the back PDF417 barcode…

Fastest when staff already carry a phone. No extra hardware — point, read, done.

Soniq ID app

App scanning PDF417 barcode App PASS result showing age 29 Photo ID capture modal Manual DOB entry after photo PASS after photo check
Phone camera — Staff phone, back of ID, auto-read

Phone camera

Staff phone, back of ID, auto-read

Handheld scanner — Bluetooth or USB gun at the rush

Handheld scanner

Bluetooth or USB gun at the rush

Photo ID fallback — Barcode failed — photo, OCR, or manual DOB

Photo ID fallback

Barcode failed — photo, OCR, or manual DOB

Lightbox setup — Diffuse light for dense barcodes

Lightbox setup

Diffuse light for dense barcodes

Door podium — Laptop + USB scanner all night

Door podium

Laptop + USB scanner all night

Why I built it

Honest origin story from Billie Hawkins, Soniq Designs.

I was tired of paying for ID scanning — monthly fees, per-device licensing, and apps that felt like they were designed for a compliance office, not a Saturday night door.

I wanted something my venue could run in a browser: point a camera or pull a scanner trigger, get a clear answer, log who scanned what, and move on. So I built Soniq ID — the product — and Soniq ID Checker — the free platform venues can sign up for.

No venture funding pitch. No "contact sales." Just a solid door tool that respects how bars, pubs, and clubs actually work.

Recommended PDF417 scanners

Handheld 2D guns that venues use at the door — always confirm PDF417 is enabled in scanner settings.

Door favorite

Wireless Bluetooth 2D Barcode Scanner

Portable gun for busy doors — pairs with laptop or tablet. Enable PDF417 in scanner settings.

View on Amazon →
Wired & fast

USB Handheld 2D Barcode Scanner

Plug-and-play wedge for a podium laptop. Reliable transmission for dense PDF417 IDs.

View on Amazon →
Staff pick

Eyoyo Handheld 2D Scanner

Popular budget 2D gun for venues — great for back-bar PDF417 reads when configured correctly.

View on Amazon →
Pro grade

Datalogic QuickScan QD2430

Industry-trusted omnidirectional scanner — excellent for high-volume nightclub doors.

View on Amazon →
More options

Browse PDF417 scanners on Amazon

Search curated PDF417-capable hardware. Always confirm PDF417 support before buying.

View on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, Soniq Designs earns from qualifying purchases (affiliate tag: soniqdesigns-20).

Setup tips — get the fastest reads

Hardware and settings matter. A little optimization goes a long way at the door.

🔫 Buy a PDF417 scanner

Handheld wedge scanners (USB or Bluetooth) are the fastest option for a busy door. Make sure PDF417 is enabled in the scanner config — not just QR/Code 128. See our recommended scanners.

💻 Use a dedicated laptop or tablet

Mount a cheap laptop at the podium, set scan mode to USB scanner, and leave the browser tab open. Staff tap the trigger — no clicking "check ID."

💡 Build a sliding ID lightbox

Fixed slot + LED diffuser + USB camera (or scanner gun) = repeatable reads without staff chasing focus. Slide in, scan, slide out. Full cut list, dimensions, and wiring in our DIY lightbox build guide.

📱 Latest iPhone or Android

Newer phone cameras autofocus faster. Set scan mode to Camera on phones; the app auto-starts the camera and reads continuously.

⚙️ Tune your settings

Set minimum age (21+), pick storage mode (age only vs selected fields), enable pass sounds, and turn on auto next scan. For photo mode: barcode + photo button, OCR review, passport MRZ, and optional stored photos.

📊 Enable the capacity counter

Owners: Counter → Capacity settings — turn on live counter, set your max, choose whether pass scans auto +1, and show the bar on Scan. Combine devices for one shared count across every door station.

🔫 Scanner + counter together

In USB scanner mode the scan field regains focus after you tap +/− on the counter — no extra click before the next barcode. Perfect for a podium laptop with a gun in one hand.

📷 Photo OCR tips

Fill the frame with the front of the ID, flat, even light — avoid glare on the laminate. v2.21.8+ reads the lower crop where DOB lives. If OCR still misses, staff enter DOB manually (always available). Log in a minute early so OCR preloads before the rush.

📶 Solid Wi‑Fi at the door

The app runs in the browser — a stable connection on your door tablet prevents timeouts. Scanner-gun mode works great offline once the page is loaded.

Everything else you need

Under the hood — without the enterprise price tag.

Capacity & usage reports

Live door count with +/− on Scan. Managers get shift stats, device lists, capacity event logs, and exports — same summary super admin sees per venue.

📋

Scan log with staff names

Every check records which user scanned. Log columns match your field settings. Export CSV or JSON for your records.

👤

Staff accounts

Door staff change their own password from Account. Owners add users, reset passwords, and disable accounts when someone leaves.

🔒

Private per venue

Your data is isolated from every other business. See guest privacy for storage and delete options.

⚡

Always updated

One shared app powers every customer. New features ship to all venues at once — your settings stay put.

Three steps to tonight

Sign up free

Create your free business account in minutes — private to your venue, ready for door staff tonight.

Add door staff

Create logins from the Users tab. Owners can reset passwords and disable staff who leave.

Scan IDs

Camera or scanner gun for barcodes. Photo fallback when needed. Pass or fail — instantly. Field clears automatically for the next person in line.

FAQ & help

Quick answers for venue owners and door staff — setup, IDs, privacy, capacity, and getting back into your account.

Is Soniq ID really free?

Yes. There is no monthly subscription and no per-scanner licensing fee. Create a free venue account, add staff logins, and run the door checker in your browser. Optional tips help cover hosting and updates — they are never required.

What IDs and documents work?

US driver licenses and state IDs (all 50 states) via PDF417 barcode on the back. Canadian provincial IDs and Mexico credentials where AAMVA barcodes are present. Passports via ICAO machine-readable zone (MRZ) when you enable passport mode. Photo OCR and manual DOB entry cover cases where the barcode will not read.

Do I need a special scanner?

No. You can use a phone or tablet camera, or a USB/Bluetooth handheld scanner that supports PDF417 (not just QR). Scanner-gun mode treats the gun like a keyboard — scan and the app checks automatically. See our recommended scanners list on the homepage for models venues use at the door.

What if the barcode will not scan?

Enable barcode + photo mode per device. Staff tap Photo ID — choose photo only (enter DOB manually) or Take photo & read (OCR). Frame the front of the ID flat with even light; OCR focuses on the lower half where DOB usually appears. If OCR misses the date, the manual entry form always opens so nobody is stuck at the door. Dense barcodes (like some Wisconsin IDs) often need a PDF417-capable scanner or better lighting.

What guest data gets saved?

You choose: store nothing, age only, selected fields, or the full parsed record. ID photos in the log are off by default. Venue owners can clear all scan data anytime or set automatic retention limits. Each venue's data is isolated from every other business on the platform.

Can multiple staff and devices share one account?

Yes. Create staff logins under Users. Each scan records which person ran the check. Per-device settings (camera vs scanner, photo mode, capacity display) are saved separately so a podium laptop and a phone at a side door can differ.

How does the live capacity counter work?

Owners enable it under Counter → Capacity settings. The Scan tab shows a live count with +/−, Set #, and **Counter actions** (Start over resets). Optional auto +1 on pass scans. Set shift length (hours) for “Scans this shift.” Combine all door devices for one shared count. Usage reports support filters (user, device, method, result), report resets, device prune/dedupe, and exports under Counter → Usage reports (staff use the Reports tab).

Does it work without Wi‑Fi?

The app runs in the browser, so a stable connection helps for login and syncing. Once the Scan page is loaded, USB scanner mode works well with intermittent Wi‑Fi because reads happen locally in the tab. Combined capacity counts need connectivity to stay in sync across devices.

How do I update my name, email, or username?

Open the **Account** tab (or **My account** for managers). Edit name, email, and username there — each must be unique within your venue. Use **Change password** in the same tab for your password. Managers can edit team profiles from the Users table.

I forgot my password — how do I get back in?

Use the Forgot password link on the login page. You need your venue slug (the short name in your checker URL, e.g. customers/your-venue/) and a valid email on your account. Owners can also reset staff passwords from the Users tab inside the checker.

Is this legal proof of age for liquor service?

Soniq ID is a helper tool provided as-is with no warranty. You remain responsible for following local liquor and security laws, manual verification when needed, and any data you choose to store. Read our Terms of Service and Privacy notice before use.

How do I get help or report a problem?

Start with Setup tips and the lightbox build guide on this site. For account issues, try password reset or ask your venue owner to check Users settings. Soniq ID Checker is maintained by Billie Hawkins — optional tips via Buy Me a Coffee, Venmo, or PayPal below help fund fixes and new features.

Forgot password? Reset your login — you will need your venue slug from your checker URL. Setup tips Scanner settings, Wi‑Fi, capacity counter, and photo OCR best practices. Lightbox build guide DIY sliding ID slot with LED backlight for faster camera reads. Terms & privacy Use at your own risk — read Terms of Service and Privacy notice.

Support Soniq ID

Soniq ID is free — always. If it helps your venue, optional tips keep updates and hosting going. Thank you, truly.

Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/billiehawkins Venmo @billiesoniq PayPal billie@soniq.org

Ready for tonight's door?

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Important — use at your own risk

Soniq ID is a free tool provided as-is. We do not guarantee accuracy, legal compliance, or fitness for liquor-law or security purposes. You are responsible for manual verification when needed and for any data you store. Legal & copyright, Terms of Service, and Privacy notice.