Fake IDs in South Carolina
A Growing Problem

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

The State WJCL

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for South Carolina

- Minimum age to consume: 21
- Minimum age to serve: 18
- Minimum age to bartend: 21

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

Penalties for serving or selling to a minor: In South Carolina, the penalty for selling alcohol to a minor depends on whether it's a first offense or a second or subsequent offense:

  • First offense

A fine of at least $200 but no more than $300, up to 30 days in jail, or both

  • Second or subsequent offense

A fine of at least $400 but no more than $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both

In addition to fines and jail time, violators may also be required to complete a state-approved merchant education program. Licensees who sell alcohol to a minor without requesting identification or knowingly may automatically be convicted. Businesses that sell alcohol to minors may also have their alcohol beverage license (ABL) revoked, depending on the severity of the violation. 


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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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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.