Fake IDs in Washington
A Growing Problem

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

Q13 Fox Whatcom County News

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Washington

- Minimum age to consume: 21
- Minimum age to serve: 18
- Minimum age to bartend: 21
- A manager or supervisor must be present when an underage person is serving or dispensing alcoholic beverages.
- Server/seller alcohol training required.

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 Washington state, selling or serving alcohol to someone under 21 years old is a gross misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 364 days in county jail. The court determines the exact amount of the fine and jail time.

Other consequences of a minor in possession (MIP) or minor in consumption (MIC) conviction can include:

  • License revocation
  • College admissions
  • Eligibility for federal student loans
  • School or college suspensions
  • Driver's license suspension
  • Future employment opportunities
  • Military enlistment
  • Travel to Canada or other countries


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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 Washington 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 Washington 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.