Fake IDs in Maine
A Growing Problem

Like states across the nation, Maine 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 Maine and is often associated with illegal alcohol purchases by minors and financial fraud.

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Maine

- Age to consume: 21 Non-alcohol beer and wine cannot be sold or served to a minor.
- Age to serve: 17 with a supervisor on duty who is at least 21
- Age to pour: 17 with a supervisor on duty who is at least 21
- Age to sell (packaged liquor): 17 with a supervisor on duty who is at least 21
- Minors allowed on premise? Minors are prohibited from being in establishments with the following licenses: Tavern, Hotel Lounge and Class A Lounge, unless with a parent, legal guardian or if working in the scope of their employment.
- Penalties for serving or selling to a minor: Class D crime. 1st offense: punishable by up to $2000 fine. 2nd offense within 6 years: $500 - $2000 fine. 3rd and subsequent offense within 6 years: $1000 - $ 2000 fine. If violation causes serious injury or death, Class C crime punishable by up to $5000 fine.

  • 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 Maine 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 Maine 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.