The Growing Challenge of
Fake IDs in California

Like states across the nation, California is trying to meet the challenge of more fraudulent IDs whether presented in person or by digital image. Many of these fake IDs come from counterfeiters located overseas with sophisticated equipment. As stories below illustrate, fake identification is getting easier to obtain in California and is often associated with illegal alcohol purchases by minors and financial fraud.

The Penalties for Fake ID Possession in California

In California use of a false ID to obtain alcohol is a criminal offense. Businesses that furnish alcohol to a minor for purchase or consumption can face up to a $3,000 fine on their first offense. The second offense within three years is a mandatory license suspension. A third offense within three years carries the possible penalty of a license revocation. If a minor that was served is involved in an accident, the establishment owner or employees may face up to six months incarceration and civil litigation.

  • id check during purchase of car
  • police officer checking id
  • identity verification at airline check-in counter
  • bartender verifying id of two patrons

How to Spot a Fake California ID

For law enforcement officers, bank tellers, car rental agents, human resources professionals and others who must verify ID in a professional capacity, the recent surge in fake IDs is challenging. The liability and losses that result from accepting a fake ID are large. The I.D. Checking Guide assists in the ID verification process by showing what an actual, valid ID looks like at full-size, and highlights the details of the licenses, making it much easier to spot the fraud. Before approving an expensive car rental, opening a new bank account or hiring a new employee, make sure the driver’s license or ID card has the correct numbering, UV, microprint, ghost images, expiration, and other details that counterfeiters often miss.

What the I.D. Checking Guide Includes:

  • A full page or more for each U.S. state and Canadian province, showing driver’s licenses and ID cards.
  • Security image information for ghost images, laser perforation, microprint, UV and other validation details.
  • Explanation of what the proper alphanumeric sequencing of a California ID or Driver’s License should be (how many letters, numbers, etc.).
  • U.S. Federal documents including immigration, military ID, Visas and passport cards.
  • “How to check driver’s licenses” techniques for training.