With a California scannable fake ID front and back, many individuals can successfully gain access to clubs, bars, and even purchase alcohol. Since the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21, many teenagers and young adults turn to fake IDs to gain entry to venues or purchase alcoholic beverages. California is just one of many states that have strict laws regarding the usage of fake IDs. In this article, we will explore the legality of fake IDs in the state of California.

What is a fake ID?

A fake ID is any identification card that is not issued by a government agency, but rather designed and printed by a private entity. Fake IDs are made to look like real identification cards, but they lack the security features that genuine IDs have. Most fake IDs are designed for teenagers and young adults who want to purchase alcohol or gain entry into bars or clubs without being of legal age. In California, the DMV is responsible for issuing real identification cards, driver’s licenses, and learners’ permits.

California and Fake IDs

Fake IDs are generally illegal in all states, and California is no exception. It’s a crime to use a fake ID to purchase alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in other illegal activities. Section 470 of the California Penal Code defines and punishes forgery as the creation, alteration, or use of any document with fraudulent intent. The penalties for these crimes could range from a simple fine to a few years in prison. The severity of punishment depends on the type of offense committed and several other factors.

Penalties for using a fake ID in California

In California, the law provides for a number of penalties for using a fake ID. For instance, using a fake ID to purchase alcohol or cigarettes would be punishable by a fine of up to $250 and community service of between 24 and 32 hours for a first offense. If it’s a second or subsequent offense, the fine could be up to $500, and the community service requirement would be between 36 and 48 hours. Additionally, the court could suspend or revoke the driver’s license of a person found guilty of using a fake ID.

In some instances, using a fake ID could result in a misdemeanor charge. For example, if the act of using a fake ID leads to serving alcohol to a minor, the offending individual could be charged with a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Similarly, if a person is caught using a fake ID to purchase a firearm, it could lead to a felony charge punishable by a fine and up to three years in prison.

How to spot a fake ID in California?

Many businesses, especially bars or clubs, have training programs for their employees to help them spot fake IDs. Employees of these establishments should be trained to check for certain features that are common in genuine IDs but missing in fake IDs.

Some of the features that employees could look for include, but are not limited to:

– Holograms: Genuine California IDs have a number of intricate holograms that are challenging to duplicate.

– Backlit identification: Real IDs can be examined under backlighting to reveal hidden images.

– Microprint: Genuine IDs have small print that is unreadable without the aid of a magnifying glass, making them nearly impossible to replicate.

– Raised printing: Genuine IDs have raised printing that is designed to improve tactile recognition and provide a guarantee against counterfeiting.

– UV light: Genuine IDs can be scrutinized under UV light, the majority of which have hidden images that become visible when exposed to UV light.

To avoid being caught with a fake ID, it is best to obtain a real identification card or driver’s license as soon as possible by visiting the DMV.

What to do if you have been caught with a fake ID in California?

If you have been caught using a fake ID in California, it is strongly advised that you speak with an attorney right away. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you avoid any unnecessary penalties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a fake ID is a serious offense in California that can result in hefty fines and even jail time. Businesses with financial incentives for serving alcohol or tobacco to minors have a responsibility to verify the authenticity of identification presented to them, and employees should be trained to recognize fraudulent IDs. The best way to avoid the consequences of using a fake ID is to wait until you are old enough to purchase alcohol legally or obtain a real identification card or driver’s license from the DMV.