Fake IDs in Wyoming
A Growing Problem

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

Alcohol Sales & Service Guidelines for Wyoming

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

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

Penalties for serving or selling to a minor: In Wyoming, the penalty for selling or serving alcohol to a minor is a fine of up to $750, up to six months in jail, or both. The offense is considered a misdemeanor.

Other penalties that may be imposed include:

  • Alcohol evaluation: The minor may be required to get an alcohol evaluation and any recommended treatment as a condition of release or sentence
  • Probation: The convicted individual may be put on probation
  • Community service: The convicted individual may be required to perform community service
  • Administrative actions: Businesses with liquor licenses may face administrative actions that could result in additional fines, license suspension, or license revocation 

There are some exceptions to the law, such as when a parent or guardian provides alcohol to a minor in their presence. Minors may also be able to consume alcohol for religious or medicinal purposes. 


  • 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 Wyoming 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.

What the I.D. Checking Guide Includes:

  • 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 Wyoming 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.