Is It Illegal To Have A Fake ID? (50 State Laws + Fines)

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.

StatePenalties
AlabamaClass A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $6,000 fine
AlaskaClass A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $10,000 fine
ArizonaClass 1 misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine
ArkansasClass A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
CaliforniaInfraction or misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
ColoradoClass 2 misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
ConnecticutClass C misdemeanor, up to 3 months in jail and/or $500 fine
DelawareUnclassified misdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail and/or $575 fine
FloridaFirst degree misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
GeorgiaMisdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
HawaiiMisdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
IdahoMisdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
IllinoisClass A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,500 fine
IndianaClass A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $5,000 fine
IowaSerious misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,875 fine
KansasClass A nonperson misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,500 fine
KentuckyClass B misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and/or $250 fine
LouisianaMisdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine
MaineCivil violation, up to $1,000 fine
MarylandMisdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
MassachusettsCivil offense, up to $300 fine
MichiganMisdemeanor, up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine
MinnesotaGross misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $3,000 fine
MississippiMisdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
MissouriMissouri: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,000 fine
MontanaMontana: Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine
NebraskaNebraska: Class III misdemeanor, up to 3 months in jail and/or $500 fine
NevadaMisdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
New HampshireClass A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,000 fine
New JerseyFourth degree crime, up to 18 months in prison and/or $10,000 fine
New MexicoPetty misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine
New YorkViolation, up to 15 days in jail and/or $250-$1,000 fine
North CarolinaClass 1 misdemeanor, up to 120 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
North DokotaClass B misdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail and/or $1,500 fine
OhioFirst degree misdemeanor, up to 180 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
OklahomaMisdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
OregonClass A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $6,250 fine
PennsylvaniaSummary offense, up to 90 days in jail and/or $300 fine
Rhode IslandMisdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $500-$1,000 fine
South CarolinaMisdemeanor, up to 3 years in prison and/or $1,000 fine
South DakotaClass 1 misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,000 fine
TennesseeClass A misdemeanor, up to 11 months, 29 days in jail and/or $2,500 fine
TexasClass C misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $500 fine
UtahClass B misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
VermontCivil offense, up to $1,000 fine
VirginiaClass 1 misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,500 fine
WashingtonGross misdemeanor, up to 364 days in jail and/or $5,000 fine
West VirginiaMisdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
WisconsinClass A misdemeanor, up to 9 months in jail and/or $10,000 fine
WyomingMisdemeanor, 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?