Fake IDs in Maryland
A Growing Problem

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

Bethesda Magazine Baltimore Sun

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Maryland

- Minimum age to consume: 21 with some exceptions
- Minimum age to serve: 18
- Minimum age to bartend: 18

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 Maryland, selling alcohol to a minor is prohibited by Maryland Alcoholic Beverages Section 12-108. Depending on the circumstances, penalties can include fines, jail time, or license suspension or revocation. 

For example, Garrett County has the following guidelines for sales to minors:

  • First offense: $300 fine and letter of reprimand
  • Second offense: $500 fine and up to 10-day suspension
  • Third offense: $1000 fine and up to a 30-day suspension
  • Fourth offense: Maximum fine and up to one-year suspension 

In general, fines for misdemeanors can range from $500 to $1,000, but can be higher depending on the circumstances. Individuals who are convicted may also be put on probation and required to perform community service or other services. 


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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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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.