What is a necessary step in checking an ID?

A necessary step in checking an ID is to verify if the ID is valid. This involves assessing several components of the identification, such as checking if it is current and not expired, ensuring that it includes all mandatory elements like a photograph, date of birth, and name, and confirming that the ID appears genuine and not altered. Validating an ID helps prevent underage drinking and other illegal activities, as it ensures that the individual presenting the ID is who they claim to be and is of legal age to purchase or consume alcohol. This step is crucial to maintaining compliance with local alcohol-serving laws and regulations.

Other options, while they may seem relevant in certain contexts, do not serve as foundational as verifying validity. For instance, trusting the person's word does not provide any tangible confirmation of their age or identity. Requesting additional identification could be useful but is often not the first necessary step, as a valid ID should provide sufficient information on its own. Looking for a signature can be part of the verification process, but it is not as critical as first ensuring that the ID itself is legitimate and not expired or fraudulent.