My wife’s underage sister just happened to get a new boyfriend and the first night we hung out with them they mentioned that they would be going to the gas station to purchase alcohol with their fake ids. I was baffled, I would have never even tried to do something like that but even more so I wouldn’t know if it was illegal or not. But after some research this is what I have found out!
Yes, it’s illegal to have a fake id in every state within the United States, and the consequences for being caught with one can vary by state. Possessing or using a fake id is typically a misdemeanor offense that can result in penalties such as fines (ranging from $100 to $1,000), community service, alcohol education classes, or even jail time (up to 1 year).
If you have a fake ID or are thinking about using one, keep reading.
What is a “Fake” ID?
A fake id is a counterfeit government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or passport. These fake ids are typically created with the intent to deceive businesses and authorities in order to purchase alcohol or gain entry into bars or clubs.
How Are Fake IDs Made?
Fake ids are typically produced with the use of high-quality printers and scanners, or by purchasing a fake id template online. These templates can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 and can be customized with personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and even security features like holograms.
What Are The Consequences For Possessing/Using A Fake ID?
It is important to note that each state may have additional laws or penalties for using a fake ID for specific purposes, such as attempting to purchase alcohol or enter a restricted area. It is also important to keep in mind that certain states have stricter penalties for underage possession or use of a fake ID.
| State | Penalties |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $6,000 fine |
| Alaska | Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $10,000 fine |
| Arizona | Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine |
| Arkansas | Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| California | Infraction or misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Colorado | Class 2 misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Connecticut | Class C misdemeanor, up to 3 months in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Delaware | Unclassified misdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail and/or $575 fine |
| Florida | First degree misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Georgia | Misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Hawaii | Misdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Idaho | Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Illinois | Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,500 fine |
| Indiana | Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $5,000 fine |
| Iowa | Serious misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,875 fine |
| Kansas | Class A nonperson misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,500 fine |
| Kentucky | Class B misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and/or $250 fine |
| Louisiana | Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Maine | Civil violation, up to $1,000 fine |
| Maryland | Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Massachusetts | Civil offense, up to $300 fine |
| Michigan | Misdemeanor, up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Minnesota | Gross misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $3,000 fine |
| Mississippi | Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Missouri | Missouri: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,000 fine |
| Montana | Montana: Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Nebraska | Nebraska: Class III misdemeanor, up to 3 months in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Nevada | Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| New Hampshire | Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,000 fine |
| New Jersey | Fourth degree crime, up to 18 months in prison and/or $10,000 fine |
| New Mexico | Petty misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine |
| New York | Violation, up to 15 days in jail and/or $250-$1,000 fine |
| North Carolina | Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 120 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| North Dokota | Class B misdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail and/or $1,500 fine |
| Ohio | First degree misdemeanor, up to 180 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Oklahoma | Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Oregon | Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $6,250 fine |
| Pennsylvania | Summary offense, up to 90 days in jail and/or $300 fine |
| Rhode Island | Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $500-$1,000 fine |
| South Carolina | Misdemeanor, up to 3 years in prison and/or $1,000 fine |
| South Dakota | Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,000 fine |
| Tennessee | Class A misdemeanor, up to 11 months, 29 days in jail and/or $2,500 fine |
| Texas | Class C misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Utah | Class B misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Vermont | Civil offense, up to $1,000 fine |
| Virginia | Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,500 fine |
| Washington | Gross misdemeanor, up to 364 days in jail and/or $5,000 fine |
| West Virginia | Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Wisconsin | Class A misdemeanor, up to 9 months in jail and/or $10,000 fine |
| Wyoming | Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $750 fine |
How to Catch A Fake ID?
It is important to note that various methods can be used to catch a fake ID, such as checking for irregularities in the card’s appearance or using verification technology. Additionally, retailers and businesses are encouraged to regularly update their ID scanning systems and stay informed on current identification styles in order to effectively detect fraudulent documents.
Conclusion:
As you can see, having a fake ID is illegal in all 50 states and can result in various fines and jail time. It’s important to understand the laws in your state before considering using a fake ID. So, is it worth it?
