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Decode Your License

Step 2Procedure

Procedure
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  • id.jpg
  • code messed up.jpg
  • abcde.jpg
  • info.jpg
All of this is fairly straight forward.

1. Scan the back of your license / permit using a medium - high resolution. The resolution should be set so that the 2d barcode is about 2000 pixels long.
2. Open up the image in Photoshop and cut out the 2d barcode. The 2d barcode is the one on the bottom in the picture. Most states use the PDF-417 (Portable Data File, with 17 modules each containing 4 bars and spaces, thus 417). Edit the barcode so that it is exactly 2000 or less pixels long because that is the maximum the program will allow, and save it.
3. Open swipe toolkit pdf417 barcode reader, available to download in the last step, and load your barcode into it. Click decode image, and a window with all your information should pop up. The picture shows the window that I got ( I removed thinks I should probably care about). As you can see, you can view the information processed, in raw bytes, or in hex. An interesting thing to note is if your card contains your social security number, some states put it on and some states don't.
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2 comments
Nov 3, 2008. 10:39 AMBrick-To-Face says:
Seems like a waste for all that "[value type] = " stuff to be on there
They could probably save space by having a standard order of values. Then the could fit more fun stuff on there, like "Suspected member of known terrorist group", or, "Kite enthusiast"
Feb 27, 2009. 1:33 PMkeastes says:
>MODE:conspiracy_theorist< or they could just put an unique ID number and require you to "swipe your license to, say, buy food down @ your local grocer and keep track of what you buy >end:mode_Change< welcome to America, God help us.
Jun 11, 2007. 10:36 PMIllusionistx says:
it is the license holder's option whether or not their SSN and organ donorabiliity are added on the card this is a cool find though

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