Fake IDs in Kentucky
A Growing Problem

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

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Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Kentucky

- Minimum age to consume: 21
- Minimum age to serve: 18
- Minimum age to bartend: 20
- A manager or supervisor must be present when an underage person is serving or dispensing alcoholic beverages.

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 Kentucky, the penalty for selling or serving alcohol to a minor depends on the circumstances and can include fines, jail time, and probation:

  • Unlawful transaction with a minor in the third degree

This is a class A misdemeanor that can result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to one year in prison. This applies to adults who give alcohol to minors, even if they don't have a retail license.

  • Sale to a minor

This is a felony that can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. Subsequent convictions can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Selling alcohol within 1,000 yards of a school or park is also a felony.

  • Retail licensees

These licensees must display a printed card in a prominent place that states that people under 21 can be fined up to $100 for certain actions, including buying or being served alcohol.

In addition to these penalties, individuals convicted of supplying alcohol to minors may also be required to perform community service or other services, and businesses with liquor licenses may face administrative actions like license suspension or revocation. Probation is another possible sentence, which can last from six to 12 months for misdemeanors and years for felonies. Probationers must usually meet specific requirements set by the court, such as regularly reporting to a probation officer. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in jail time. 


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How to Spot a Fake Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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.