Fake IDs in South Dakota
A Growing Problem

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

KOTA Daily Mail

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for South Dakota

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

An alcohol retailer has the authority to detain a minor suspected of using a false ID to purchase alcohol.
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 South Dakota, the penalty for selling or serving alcohol to a minor depends on the age of the minor and the number of violations:

  • Under 18

A Class 1 misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine

  • 18–21

A Class 2 misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, unless the purchase is made in the presence of a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 or older

  • First violation

A $500 fine if the clerk has completed an approved training program, or a $1,000 fine if they have not

  • Second violation within 24 months

A $1,000 fine if the clerk has completed an approved training program, or a $2,000 fine if they have not

  • Third violation within 24 months

Alcohol license suspension

In addition to fines, individuals convicted of selling or serving alcohol to minors may also face probation, 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 South Dakota 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 Dakota 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.