Fake IDs in Wisconsin
A Growing Problem

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

The Badger Herald Madison.com

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Wisconsin

- Minimum age to consume: 21 with some exceptions
- Minimum age to serve: 18
- Minimum age to bartend: 18
- Server/seller alcohol training required.

Alcohol retailers may seize apparently false IDs without fear of prosecution even if the identification is valid.

Alcohol retailers have 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 Wisconsin, the penalty for serving or selling alcohol to a minor depends on the number of offenses:

  • First offense: Up to $500 fine
  • Second offense within 30 months: Up to $500 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail
  • Third offense within 30 months: Up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail
  • Fourth and subsequent offenses within 30 months: Up to $10,000 fine and/or up to 9 months in jail
  • In addition to fines, businesses with liquor licenses may face administrative actions, such as license suspension or revocation. Individuals convicted of supplying alcohol to minors may also be required to perform community service or other services and placed on probation. 
  • Alcohol laws can vary by city, county, or state, so it's best to contact the liquor authority in your area for more information.


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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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.