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.

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The Penalties for Fake ID Possession in California

Minimum age to consume: 21 with some exceptions
Minimum age to serve: 18
Minimum age to bartend: 21
Server/seller alcohol training required.

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

An alcohol retailer has the authority to detain a minor suspected of using a false ID to purchase alcohol.

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

Penalties for serving or selling to a minor: In California, it's illegal to sell, give, or furnish alcohol to anyone under 21, which includes minors. Penalties for violating California Penal Code Section 25658, also known as BPC 25658, vary depending on the specifics of the offense:

  • Permitting a minor to drink on premises: A fine of up to $250 and 24–32 hours of community service
  • Selling or giving alcohol to a minor: A fine of up to $1,000 and at least 24 hours of community service
  • Death as a result of furnishing alcohol to a minor: Up to 6 months in county jail

Other penalties may include: license suspension or revocation, increased regulatory scrutiny, and potential employment termination.

Establishments can prevent violations by: Training staff, Enforcing ID-checking policies, using technology, and Supporting staff.


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  • 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.

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What the I.D. Checking Guide Includes:

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  • 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.