Fake, Altered or Borrowed IDs

With the development of more sophisticated computer scanners, printers and photo editing software, fake IDs are becoming more and more difficult to spot. A book containing pictures of licenses and IDs from around the country is available, but a quality counterfeit may not look that different from the picture. With some estimates placing the number of college and high school students with fake IDs around 35-50%, it is becoming more important to know what to look for in a fake ID. According to Special Agent David C. Meyers of the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, internet sales of fake IDs can gross over $1.0 million a year, per operator.

Maine Law Relating to Fake IDs

17-A MRSA 29 §703. Forgery

”A person is guilty of forgery if, with the intent to defraud or deceive another person or government, the person falsely makes, completes, endorses or alters a written instrument, or knowingly utters or possesses such an instrument.”

17-A MRSA 29 §704. Possession of forgery devices

“A person is guilty of possession of forgery devices if he makes or possesses with knowledge of its character, any plate, die or other device, apparatus, equipment or article specifically designed or adapted for use in committing aggravated forgery or forgery or: he makes or possesses any device, apparatus, equipment, or article capable of or adaptable to use in committing an aggravated forgery or forgery, with the intent to use it himself, or to aid or permit another to use it for purposes of committing aggravated forgery or forgery.”

This section of Title 17-A makes it illegal for a person to possess instruments that could be used to produce fake IDs.

28-A MRSA 81 §2051. Prohibited acts by minors

This section of Title 28-A prohibits minors from possessing an ID that gives a false date of birth so that is used to purchase alcohol (or imitation alcohol), gain entry to a place where minors are prohibited; or to sell, furnish or give a minor a false identification.