Fake IDs in Michigan
A Growing Problem

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

Fox 17 West Michigan

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Michigan

- Minimum age to consume: 21
- Minimum age to serve: 17
- Minimum age to bartend: 17
- Server/seller alcohol training required.

A person under 21 may purchase alcoholic beverages as part of a law enforcement action.

Penalties for serving or selling to a minor: In Michigan, selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor is a misdemeanor that can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail for a first offense. For a second or subsequent offense, the penalty can be up to $2,500 and up to 90 days in jail, plus community service. If the violation results in serious injury or death, it can be a felony punishable by up to 10 years in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.

In addition to criminal penalties, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission can also suspend or revoke a licensee's license for selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor. When assessing penalties, the Commissioner or Administrative Law Judge will consider the length of the license, the licensee's past violation history, the age of the minor, and other mitigating factors. 


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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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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.