Fake IDs in Utah
A Growing Problem

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

The Salt Lake Tribune FOX 13

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Utah

- Minimum age to consume: 21
- Minimum age to serve: 21
- 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.

An alcohol retailer has the statutory right to sue a minor who uses a false ID to purchase alcohol for any losses or fines suffered by the retailer as a result of the illegal sale.

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

Penalties for serving or selling to a minor: In Utah, the penalty for selling or giving alcohol to someone under 21 depends on whether the seller knew the buyer's age:

  • Class B misdemeanor

If the seller doesn't know the buyer's age and doesn't check their ID, or if they act negligently or recklessly, they can be charged with a class B misdemeanor. The penalty for this is up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

  • Class A misdemeanor

If the seller knows the buyer is underage and still sells to them, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. The penalty for this is up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. 


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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 Utah 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 Utah 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.