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.

NECN Bowdoin Orient

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Maine

- Minimum age to consume: 21 with some exceptions
- Minimum age to serve: 17
- Minimum age to bartend: 17
- A manager or supervisor must be present when an underage person is serving or dispensing alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol retailers may seize apparently false IDs without fear of prosecution even if the identification is valid.

A person under 21 may not purchase alcoholic beverages as part of a law enforcement action.

Penalties for serving or selling to a minor: In Maine, the penalty for selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor depends on the circumstances:

  • First offense: A minimum fine of $500 if the minor is under 18, or up to $2,000 for a first offense
  • Second offense within 6 years: A minimum fine of $1,000, or $500–$2,000 for a second offense
  • Third or subsequent offense within 6 years: A minimum fine of $1,500, or $1,000–$2,000 for a third or subsequent offense
  • If the minor is injured or killed: A felony charge and up to $5,000 fine
  • Juvenile offenses: Probation, fines, and/or community service

The crime is also a Class D misdemeanor, which can also result in up to 364 days in jail and surcharges.

These laws apply to everyone, regardless of age or whether they are licensed to sell alcohol.


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  • 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.

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What the I.D. Checking Guide Includes:

Place Order U.S Book Info
  • 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.