Yes. Any Mississippi seller can scan IDs to verify age, and some must. Alcohol delivery services must scan every recipient’s ID with scanning software, and medical cannabis dispensaries must scan each patient’s registry ID card.
Mississippi requires ID scanning for alcohol deliveries and medical cannabis sales. Delivery rules make drivers scan every recipient's ID with scanning software, and dispensaries must scan each patient's registry card. For bars and stores, one sale to a minor brings a one-week permit suspension, with longer suspensions and revocation for repeat violations.
Mississippi ID laws at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you scan IDs in Mississippi? | Yes. Alcohol delivery and dispensaries must scan. Bars and stores can scan too |
| Does a scan protect you? | A scan is your proof that staff checked a valid ID before every sale |
| What can you keep from a scan? | Delivery scans must keep name and date of birth for 12 months |
| Legal drinking age | 21. Ages 18 to 20 may drink beer with a consenting parent present |
| Who must you card? | Every delivery recipient and dispensary customer. Tobacco buyers under 30 |
| Fine for selling to a minor | One-week ABC permit suspension for a first conviction, no fine option |
Can you scan IDs in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi bans every sale to a person under 21, with no exceptions, and it’s one of the states that requires scanning for some sales. Alcohol deliverers must scan each recipient’s ID with scanning software, and dispensaries must scan each registry ID card. That covers bars, package stores, tobacco shops, alcohol deliveries and dispensaries, where the minimum age is 21 (beer at 18 with a parent) and you should card anyone who could be under 21, or under 30 for tobacco.
Who has to scan in Mississippi
Delivery services must follow these steps on every order:
- Scan the recipient’s ID with scanning software before handing over alcohol
- Collect the name and date of birth, keep it for 12 months, and show it to ABC on request
- Take the alcohol back if the recipient is under 21, shows someone else’s ID or won’t show one
Dispensaries must scan each registry ID card and confirm face to face that the buyer is the cardholder. For the exact wording, see the ABC rules and the medical cannabis dispensary rules.
Which IDs are accepted in Mississippi?
You can accept a Mississippi driver’s license or ID card in the old or new design, a Mississippi Mobile ID, or another valid ID showing the person is over 21, but not someone else’s ID or one that looks altered, discolored or is missing letters, logos or photos.
Mississippi Mobile ID can be scanned through its barcode or with the free Mobile ID Verify app.
Fines for selling to minors in Mississippi
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Selling alcohol to a minor (permit) | One-week suspension, then longer suspensions and revocation |
| Selling alcohol to a minor (seller) | Misdemeanor |
| Dispensary letting in a non-cardholder under 21 | $1,000, then $2,000, then $3,000 |
| Minor using a fake or borrowed ID | Up to $500 and 30 days of community service |
| Supplying fake licenses to minors | Felony: up to $5,000 and 3 years in prison |
ABC Enforcement runs Cops in Shops to catch underage buyers and offers permit holders free ID-checking training. For the full penalty rules, see the ABC rules in Administrative Code Title 35, Part II and the DPS listing of statutes.
What Mississippi IDs look like
- The new design, announced in 2024, shows the new state flag, a guitar and music notes
- Old-design licenses stay valid until they expire
- Licenses for minors use a separate design
See current card designs on the DPS new driver’s license design page.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Why Mississippi Requires ID Scanning for Delivery
Mississippi’s Rule 35.II.2.25 requires alcohol deliverers to scan each recipient’s ID with scanning software and keep the name and date of birth for 12 months. Medical cannabis dispensaries must scan every patient’s registry ID card. For in-person sales, a first conviction for selling alcohol to someone under 21 brings a one-week ABC permit suspension, with no fine option.
How Patronscan Helps Mississippi Businesses Stay Compliant
Patronscan is purpose-built for the compliance environment Mississippi businesses work in. Mississippi requires alcohol delivery services to scan each recipient’s ID with scanning software, and dispensaries must scan every patient’s registry ID card. With 20 years of experience working alongside operators across North America, Europe, and Australia, Patronscan has the track record to help Mississippi bars, liquor stores, tobacco shops and dispensaries check every ID with confidence.
Book a DemoReady for Required ID Scanning
Patronscan gives you fast electronic ID scanning at the door, the counter and the doorstep. Mississippi’s alcohol delivery rules require scanning software that confirms each recipient is over 21 before handing over the order.
The Flag Network
Patronscan originated the flag network and has spent years expanding it across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia. When a flagged individual walks into any Patronscan-connected venue, staff are immediately alerted, giving businesses a layer of protection that goes far beyond age verification alone. In Mississippi, review how flags are shared with your legal team, because state law limits sharing scan data.
Scan Data Settings You Control
Patronscan lets you set how long scan data is kept and what is stored, so you can match Mississippi’s rules on scanned ID data. Mississippi’s delivery rules say to collect the recipient’s name and date of birth and keep it for 12 months.
Always Up to Date With New ID Designs
Patronscan keeps its scanners updated for new ID templates across U.S. states, so new and older cards scan the same way. Mississippi announced a new license design in 2024, and older cards stay valid until they expire.
The ID Scanner for Mississippi Delivery and Dispensary Rules
In Mississippi, Rule 35.II.2.25 makes alcohol delivery services scan each recipient’s ID with scanning software, and in-person sales to anyone under 21 are banned with no exceptions. Patronscan is an ID scanner for bars, liquor and package stores, tobacco shops and medical cannabis dispensaries that want one check for every ID. Request a demo to see how Patronscan fits your operation, or get a quote today.
Mississippi ID scanning FAQ
Do I need an ID scanner in Mississippi?
If you deliver alcohol or run a dispensary, yes, the rules require scanning. Bars and stores face a permit suspension for any sale to a minor. Patronscan adds forensic fake ID detection beyond the barcode, no per-scan fees, a flag network and a scan log.
What is the best ID scanner for Mississippi bars?
Look for one that reads both old and new Mississippi license designs, scans Mobile ID, catches fakes beyond the barcode, and keeps a scan log. For delivery, it must store name and date of birth for 12 months.
What happens if I sell alcohol to a minor in Mississippi?
A first conviction brings a one-week suspension of the ABC permit, with no option to pay a fine instead. Repeat violations within 12 months lead to longer suspensions and then revocation. The seller also faces a misdemeanor.
What IDs can I accept in Mississippi?
Accept a valid Mississippi driver’s license or ID card in the old or new design, Mississippi Mobile ID, or another valid ID showing the person is over 21. Refuse IDs that look altered or belong to someone else.
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