Fake IDs in New York
A Growing Problem

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

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Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for New York

- 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 New York, the penalties for selling or serving alcohol to someone under 21 can vary depending on the individual or business involved:

  • Businesses

Can face fines up to $5,000, license suspension, or license revocation. Businesses may also be liable if a minor leaves their establishment after consuming alcohol and causes injury, property damage, or death.

  • Bartenders and store clerks

Can face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

  • Parents

Can face up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and civil liability for any property damage, injury, or death caused by the minor's alcohol consumption. Parents also cannot purchase alcohol for their child to consume in a New York State Liquor Authority-licensed bar or restaurant.

  • Social hosts

Can face fines of $250–$1,000 and up to one year in jail for knowingly allowing a gathering or event where minors are present, and alcohol is consumed. The first and second offenses are violations of the law, while the third and subsequent offenses are misdemeanors. 

Individuals convicted of supplying alcohol to minors may also be placed 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 New York 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 New York 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.