FAQ
Straight answers, including the awkward ones.
If an answer here looks too good, tell us. We would rather correct it.
Does thewrit replace ID checks?
No. It does not replace looking at an ID where a venue or the law calls for one. It can prompt staff to check a physical ID, and that prompt is set by each venue.
Do I still need to bring my physical ID?
Yes, bring it. Many venues will want to see it, and if your phone dies or has no signal it is your backup.
Who decides whether I get in?
The venue, always, through its staff. The app records the decision; it never makes it. A check at another venue is information, not permission.
Does it stop fake IDs?
We do not claim that. Verification runs through third-party providers with their own checks, and no check is perfect. thewrit does not authenticate documents against government records, and staff judgment stays in the loop.
What does a venue see about me?
Your photo, first name, an age-threshold status such as 21+, when and how you were verified, and the venue’s own prompts. If you opt in to sharing, it can also see that you were checked earlier at another participating venue.
Does thewrit store my ID?
The design is that ID capture happens in a third-party provider’s flow, and our database keeps only the result. No provider is integrated yet, so this describes the plan, not a live system.
Can I delete my data?
That is the plan: you will be able to request deletion and export. Retention rules and any legal exceptions are still being worked out with counsel, so we are not stating timelines yet.
Is face recognition used?
Not in the first version. Staff compare your photo and you by eye.
What if my phone is off or there is no signal?
Show a physical ID and staff check it the usual way. The door app says when it cannot confirm anything and asks for a manual check.
Is there a cover charge involved?
No. It works for no-cover bars with no payment involved. Paid cover and guest lists are an optional module for venues that want them, later.
Can I download it?
Not yet. iOS and Android betas are not available. See the beta page for how testers will be invited.
What does it cost?
No prices are set. The intended offer is a free pilot for the first downtown group; everything else is an assumption. See pricing.
Why is it called thewrit?
A writ was a document you carried that got you through a gate. It is a nod to that idea, a pass you carry, and nothing more. It carries no legal weight. See About.
Still wondering?
Ask us. The contact form on the contact page reaches a real person, and we read every message.